Recent observations by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) have shed light on the mysteries hidden beneath the icy shell of Jupiter’s moon, Europa. The telescope’s Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) instrument has unveiled the origins of carbon dioxide on Europa’s surface, suggesting it likely emanates from the concealed ocean beneath, and it’s more recent in geological terms than previously thought.
A Peek Beneath Europa’s Icy Veil
Decades ago, the Galileo spacecraft made remarkable discoveries before its demise, detecting various chemicals, including carbon dioxide, on Europa’s surface. Now, the JWST has taken up the mantle, offering fresh insights into the moon’s enigmatic composition.
