Journal for 6/2
As we've discussed in class many times, Jupiter's moon Europa may be able to support millions of fish, according to a new study. While I had argued that the loricifera could survive in Europa's subsurface ocean, this article shows that even oxygen-breathing fish could also possibly survive on Europa. Probably there aren't any fish now, but if they are introduced, could the fish survive?
The more we learned about Jupiter's effect on its moons, the more we understood the possibility of life on Europa. Through these studies it's been determined that Europa could have enough oxygen to support even the kind of Earth-life we are most familiar with, not even necessarily just microbes. The oxygen-rich layer on the moon was thought to be thinner, but could be far thicker than ever thought, maybe even encompassing the entire crust of the moon.
If we can figure out a way to stir up this crust, we may be able to find life on or introduce life to Europa.
Article: Jupiter moon’s ocean is rich in oxygen
Link: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/37384702/ns/technology_and_science-space/
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