The idea that Earth was the only celestial body in our Solar System to host an ocean has been radically overturned. Recent studies show that even the coldest, most distant icy moons and dwarf planets, some beyond Pluto, hide oceans beneath their icy surfaces. This revelation, published in The Conversation by David Rothery, professor of planetary geosciences, highlights a significant shift in our understanding of the presence of in the cosmos. [1]
The heat underneath: tidal forces at work
The idea that tidal warming could create conditions warm enough to keep water liquid beneath ice surfaces has revolutionized our perception of potential habitats in space. Io, Jupiter’s moon, offers a great example of how tidal forces can generate volcanic activity due to the gravitational pull between it, Europa and Ganymede. This same mechanism is believed to warm the subterranean oceans of Europa and potentially other moons, suggesting that the frozen areas of our Solar System may not be as lifeless as previously thought.
Unveiling hidden oceans
The quest to discover these hidden oceans has led scientists to spot some surprising candidates, including the moons of Uranus and the dwarf planet Ceres. James Webb Space Telescope observations of Eris and Makemake, dwarf planets more remote than Pluto, have provided compelling evidence of chemical processes that suggest the presence of subterranean oceans. These results, highlighting interactions between water and the ocean floor, suggest the complex dynamics that could sustain such environments far from the Sun.
Life beyond Earth: the task always remains very difficult
Even as the discovery of extraterrestrial oceans fuels speculation about the existence of alien life, challenges remain. Recent reports from the Lunar and Planetary Science Conference suggest that conditions within Europa’s ocean may be too harsh for life as we know it, due to the strength of ocean floor rocks. Nonetheless, the quest to understand these distant, icy worlds continues to unlock the mysteries of our Solar System, offering tantalizing glimpses into the possibilities of life beyond Earth.
Insights
Share this article
News disclaimer This blog does not represent a newspaper as it is updated without any periodicity. It cannot therefore be considered an editorial product pursuant to law no. 62 of 7.03.2001. The author is not responsible for other sites connected via links nor for their content which may be subject to changes over time.
Notiziescienza.it uses cookies to improve the browsing experience (Read more)
newsscientifiche.it participates in the Amazon EU Affiliate Program, an affiliate program that allows sites to receive an advertising commission by advertising and providing links to the Amazon.it site