Europa (Moon of Jupiter)

    Jupiter is the biggest planet of our solar system. It has 79 moons and Europa is one of them. It was discovered in the year 1610 by the famous astronomer, physicist and engineer Galileo Glilei. Europa is the 6th largest moon of our solar system. The diameter of this natural satellite is 3100 km. It takes 3.5 days to complete a orbit of Jupiter and it's orbital way is elliptical. It consists of silicate rock and also possess a water ice crust. The ice crust is approximately 10 to 15 km. thick. It is tidally locked with the planet jupiter so the one portion of the moon is always facing towards the planet. Europa possess the smoothest surface. scientists believe that there is liquid water present under the ice crust so the body of this natural satellite is the smoothest in the solar systems . This ocean of europa may 40 to 100 km. thick. Scientists also believe that, because of the tidal interaction between Jupiter and Europa this liquid water exists under the ice. This tide is similar to the tidal interaction between earth and the moon. But due to the chemical reaction with the rocks this water of europa is not drinkable. Ther water vapor splits and divides into oxygen and hydrogen, so there is a atmosphere which is tenuous. Recently this moon has taken a lots of attention of the scientists because of its volcanic activity. Through the volcanoes of Europa the water comes out and reaches almost to the space. So the scientists are expecting microbial life in this natural satellite of Jupiter but it is only a theory, there is not any such evidence of life. The environment under the liquid water of europa could be similar as the ocean of our planet earth. Apart from this scientists have proved that life can sustain in many harsh conditions, like the Tardigrades can survive in vacuum of the space and also tolerate extreme hot and cold temperature. That's why the scientists are continuing their research to find life under the ice crust of europa, their could be exist simple or complex microbial organisms. Even few scientists are planning to terraform and colonize europa in the near future for human survival.