Europa is one of the four Galilean Moons of Jupiter, and it has more water than on Earth. Europa is on the top of the list of Ocean Worlds that have potential to harbor life. Its surface is presently estimated to be covered by several kilometers-thick water-ice. Galileo Mission data indicates conducting liquid water ocean beneath this ice shell. With internal heat generated due to gravitational variations between Jupiter and Europa and radiation coming from Jupiter’s magnetosphere to Europa, scientists think that Europa may have the potential to harbor Life. With the task of investigating Europa’s Habitability, the Europa Clipper Mission is gearing up with several instruments dedicated to investigating interior, surface, and atmospheric composition of Europa. This talk will take a close look at what we know so far about Europa and what exciting science could be coming soon from the Europa Clipper Mission.

Acknowledgment:

This work was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Funding from NASA through HW and SSW programs is acknowledged.

• Tea, coffee and cookies are offered before the seminar at 13:30.