Question

Why are physicists interested in studying Europa? Check all that apply.

because it is a moon of Saturn
because it is covered in ice
because it has a deep ocean beneath ice
because there is a chance it hosts life
because it has an atmosphere similar to Earth

Answer 1

Correct:
- because it is covered in ice — Yes. Europa’s surface is mostly water ice.
- because it has a deep ocean beneath ice — Yes. Evidence strongly indicates a global subsurface ocean under the ice shell.
- because there is a chance it hosts life — Yes. The ocean, energy sources, and chemistry make Europa a prime astrobiology target.

Incorrect:
- because it is a moon of Saturn — No. Europa orbits Jupiter.
- because it has an atmosphere similar to Earth — No. Europa has a very thin tenuous exosphere (mainly oxygen), not an Earth-like atmosphere.