Science

Ammonia Detected on Europa's Surface, Hinting at Habitable Ocean Below

A new analysis of decades-old data from NASA's Galileo spacecraft has revealed ammonia-bearing compounds near fractures on Jupiter's moon Europa — a finding that strengthens the case for a subsurface ocean capable of supporting life.

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$False-color map of Europa's surface showing regions where ammonia-bearing compounds were detected near fractures, based on reprocessed Galileo NIMS data. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech$

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Ammonia Detected on Europa's Surface, Hinting at Habitable Ocean Below