Planetary Science
A new study suggests that Jupiter's moon Europa, long considered a prime candidate for extraterrestrial life due to its vast subsurface ocean, may lack the geological activity necessary to support living organisms. Researchers found that weak tidal forces from Jupiter result in a calm and inactive seafloor. This challenges hopes for habitable conditions beneath the moon's icy crust.
Reported by AI
Researchers from the University of Texas at Austin have identified 16 large drainage basins on ancient Mars, highlighting prime locations for evidence of past life. These basins, covering just 5% of the planet's ancient terrain, accounted for 42% of river erosion. The findings suggest these areas offered the most promising conditions for habitability when liquid water flowed.