Research Suggests Jupiter's Moon Europa Has a Thick Ice Shell
Research Suggests Jupiter's Moon Europa Has a Thick Ice Shell
Updated at: July 30, 2026 at 03:45 AM
Jupiter’s moon Europa has long fascinated astronomers searching for extraterrestrial life.
A major question has been the thickness of its mysterious icy shell.
Recent data from NASA’s Juno spacecraft, published in Nature Astronomy, has finally provided clarity.
By using the Microwave Radiometer instrument, scientists have determined that Europa's ice shell is approximately 18 miles (29 kilometers) thick.
Scientists previously hoped that oxygen and nutrients from the surface might easily reach the hidden saltwater ocean below.
However, this substantial ice depth suggests these materials face a difficult journey.
While this may seem discouraging, it provides essential context for upcoming missions like the NASA Europa Clipper and ESA JUICE, arriving in the early 2030s.
By understanding the true structure of this icy world, researchers are better prepared to interpret future data and continue their search for habitable environments in our solar system.
