Io is excessively volcanic due to intense geological activity, but for Earth, it contributes to preserving an environment conducive to life, playing a crucial role in maintaining the stability of chemical components and atmospheric factors.
However, it might not be just Earth and Io. A recent study published in the scientific journal Icarus reveals that Ganymede, Europa, and Enceladus, the three icy moons, have been speculated by space agencies such as NASA and ESA, as well as numerous scientists, to potentially nurture life beneath their subsurface oceans.
These celestial bodies are also believed to undergo tectonic activities, with certain regions displaying rift-like structures akin to fractures found on Earth, according to NASA data.
Europa, the moon of Jupiter – Image: NASA
According to Sci-News, a recent study conducted by the University of Arizona and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL-NASA) tested the hypothesis that smooth materials on icy satellites could form through the degradation of fractured blocks caused by tectonic activity. This implies that evident tectonic processes are occurring across these celestial bodies.
The discovery arose from suspicions surrounding the presence of ridge-like formations surrounded by relatively flat and smooth regions.
In the recent study, measurements of slope dimensions were taken, which are indicative of fracture-induced cracks similar to those found on Earth. A model was developed, demonstrating that these features were created by the force of past earthquakes, strong enough to flatten fragmented materials after their collapse.
This significant finding regarding the tectonic activities on these moons will provide valuable data for future direct exploration missions, including the upcoming Europa Clipper mission by NASA, scheduled to reach Jupiter in 20230 and conduct 50 flybys of Europa.
ESA has also launched the JUICE mission to explore Jupiter, which includes a more in-depth study of the two moons, Ganymede and Europa.
The abundant data from NASA’s long-standing missions to Jupiter and Saturn, such as Juno and Cassini, continues to be studied by scientists worldwide.