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Space & Astronomy

NASA has discovered water plumes on Europa

By T.K. Randall
September 27, 2016 · Comment icon 33 comments

Water from Europa's sub-surface ocean is gushing to the surface. Image Credit: NASA
The find could make it much easier to search for evidence of extraterrestrial life in Europa's oceans.
Last week NASA revealed that it had found 'surprising evidence of activity' on Jupiter's icy moon Europa, a world covered in a thick layer of ice under which scientists believe there exists a large sub-surface ocean of liquid water with the potential to support primitive life forms.

An announcement about the discovery, which took place on Monday, later confirmed that what the space agency had found was evidence of large plumes of liquid water gushing up in to space.
"If plumes exist, this is an exciting find as it potentially gives easier access to the ocean below, and would allow us to search for signs of life in the ocean of Europa without needing to drill through miles of ice," said astronomer Dr William Sparks.

"However, I do want to stress that the observations are at the limit of what Hubble can do... We remain cautious, because we're working at difficult wavelengths for Hubble."

A NASA video discussing the discovery in more detail can be viewed below.



Source: Wired | Comments (33)




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Recent comments on this story
Comment icon #24 Posted by Rlyeh 8 years ago
I'd be happy to explain it to you as soon as you support your claim that "All the governmental agencies know there are other sentinent beings in the universe visiting our planet"
Comment icon #25 Posted by Pjjr 8 years ago
Morning! Some examples that I can think of: Wikileaks; Eric Snowdenden; Nationalarchibes.gov.uk;.gov.uk; Siriusdisclosure.com; Project Blue Book; Freedom Of Information Act; Sir Paul Hellyer( formal national Canadian defence minister); Edgar Mitchell; Bizz Aldren; Gordon Cooper etc.There are more but I can't recall. Is it irrefutable proof? Of course not,but it supports my claim. I have no problem being called out to support what I say, it was just the way you responded. You could have been a little more tactful and diplomatic in your reply,instead of coming across in a negative light!
Comment icon #26 Posted by Waspie_Dwarf 8 years ago
People, There is an entire section on this site devoted to the discussion of extraterrestrial life and UFOs. This topic is NOT in that section. Can we please get back on topic. Thank you.
Comment icon #27 Posted by Rlyeh 8 years ago
Nope, I said support. Not a bunch of names thrown out.
Comment icon #28 Posted by Pjjr 8 years ago
I've given you anecdotal evidence/case files there for you research on your own time.You should find enough empirical and verifiable reports from reputable sources that support what I've claimed.Then again,it's not irrefutable but supportive. Have a good weekend!
Comment icon #29 Posted by Rlyeh 8 years ago
You haven't even given me one case. You've given me names, few of which support your original statement "All the governmental agencies know there are other sentinent beings in the universe visiting our planet". Obviously you haven't done your own research. 
Comment icon #30 Posted by Waspie_Dwarf 8 years ago
Pjjr, Rlyeh, Which part of "back on topic" are you struggling with?   From the forum rules: If you wish to discuss UFOs, aliens and cover ups please do some in the appropriate section of the site. Thank you.  
Comment icon #31 Posted by South Alabam 8 years ago
To me, the intriguing part is, what is causing the plumes. I read it could be from Jupiters magnetic field, or friction from the ice below. But they are sporadic when they do plume also, adding to the mystery. Nonetheless, great science at work here studying Europa.
Comment icon #32 Posted by stevewinn 8 years ago
   
Comment icon #33 Posted by skookum 8 years ago
Europa sure is sounding more and more interesting. Just looking back at your previous comment about Mars.  Certain aspects I tend to agree with you about.  NASA has large resources put into Mars exploration.  If I recall the Rover missions take about a decade from planning to being in operation on the surface.  If Elon Musk and all the other contenders really are successful in putting humans on the planet in the timescale they claim, how many more robotic missions are going to be value for money?  


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