"All these worlds are yours except Europa. Attempt no landings there."
Man, I would love to see a probe that can find out if there is life on Europa in my lifetime. That would be so amazing.
Man, I would love to see a probe that can find out if there is life on Europa in my lifetime. That would be so amazing.
The heat on Europa would not come from the sun but from the gravitational friction (tidal flexing) caused by Jupiter. This would likely cause quite a bit of volcanic activity under the surface and possibly create deep underwater vents. There is an analogue on earth in the deep ocean and the so-called hydrothermal vents. There are ecosystems down there that exist without energy from the sun.
Europan life is likely to be cold, damp, and smelly!