Search
Close this search box.
Search
Close this search box.

Europa’s Surprise: Oxygen Levels Lower Than Expected on Jupiter’s Moon

Europa Oxygen Levels Lower Than Expected

Scientists announced on Monday, March 4, that they have successfully measured the amount of molecular oxygen around Jupiter’s moon Europa, which is the type of oxygen we breathe on Earth.

Researchers have previously estimated the oxygen content of the icy moon, but this is the first time a direct measurement has been made.

In short, the outcome did not meet some very optimistic earlier predictions. Does this suggest that Europa, thought to have a vast ocean of salty water under its icy surface, may not be as conducive to the development of life as we had anticipated? Or perhaps, to life as we know it? It’s not a definite answer, but the topic is intriguing and worth exploring further.

Based on the study, certain past calculations of Europa’s oxygen levels were deduced from atomic oxygen emissions linked to the moon. Atomic oxygen consists of only one oxygen atom, unlike molecular oxygen, which is composed of two. This type is the one we cannot inhale, but researchers probably determined that understanding the amount of it present around Europa would provide some limitations on the total breathable oxygen the moon generates.

The analysis, along with other remote observations, imposed some restrictions on the association of the material with the Jovian moon. However, the latest study managed to further refine these predictions. The researchers successfully measured Europa’s oxygen content using NASA’s Juno probe and some ice chemistry.

Essentially, according to the team’s explanation in the study’s abstract, Europa’s water-ice shell could potentially undergo a water-splitting process. Some reactions can transform Europa’s frozen water molecules into molecular hydrogen (composed of two hydrogen atoms) and molecular oxygen. If such reactions did occur, evidence would be found in the form of oxygen and hydrogen ions near the moon. These ions would carry electrical charges. The theory was well-supported, as scientists were aware that Europa’s orbital path passes through one of Jupiter’s radiation belts. This belt contains numerous charged particles that may affect the moon’s surface, possibly initiating the water-splitting process.

Indeed, in September 2022, when Juno passed within 220 miles (354 kilometers) of Europa, it managed to detect evidence of water-splitting activity, as the team clarifies. According to NASA, the probe found hydrogen and oxygen ions that were likely the result of interactions with charged particles. Jupiter’s magnetic field then attracted these ions as it passed by the moon.

According to the study, H2+ and O2+ pickup ions were seen directly after Europa’s water-ice surface broke apart. This proved that these species are the main parts of the atmosphere.

Regarding certain figures, scientists determined that the moon’s atmosphere produces 26 pounds of molecular oxygen every second (12 kilograms per second). According to previous estimates, the range varies from a few pounds to over 2,000 pounds per second (about 900 kilograms per second.)

When NASA’s Galileo mission passed by Europa, it revealed the intricate and ever-changing relationship Europa has with its surroundings. Juno introduced a new ability to measure the composition of charged particles released from Europa’s atmosphere, and the team was eager to explore more of this intriguing water world,” stated study lead author Jamey Szalay from Princeton University, who is one of Juno’s instrument scientists. “What we didn’t anticipate was how Juno’s observations would provide us with such a precise limit on the oxygen produced on Europa’s icy surface.”

As the value turned out to be lower than initially believed, the team mentioned in the study that this finding suggests “a more limited range to support habitability in Europa’s ocean.” There is concern because this water-production method could be how Europa’s subsurface oasis receives its oxygen.

However, according to a statement from NASA, there is an alternative perspective to consider. “The ice-covered Jovian moon produces 1,000 tons of oxygen every 24 hours—sufficient to sustain a million individuals breathing for a day,” the statement says. Would life on an exotic moon, even if it’s life as we know it, have unique oxygen requirements? Keep an eye out for updates.


Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Related Articles

Top Trending

bappam tv
Stream Telugu Movies on Bappam TV: Watch Bappam Telugu Movies Online
Circular Economy
The Circular Economy Explained: Why It Matters in 2025
hearthstats interesting news
Hearthstats Interesting News: Latest Updates And Real-Time Hearthstone Updates
How Gen Z Is Shaping the Future of Sustainable Brands
How Gen Z Is Driving the Demand for Sustainable Brands
doctor odyssey disney sexual harassment lawsuit
Doctor Odyssey Crew Sues Disney Over On-Set Sexual Harassment

LIFESTYLE

Smart Skincare
What Smart Skincare Looks Like in a World of Overload
Swim Academy in Amman
How to Choose the Right Swim Academy in Amman?
Shopping in Madrid
Shopping in Madrid: From Exclusive Boutiques to Vintage Markets: A Shopping Lover's Guide
how long does dermaplaning last
How Long Does Dermaplaning Last? All About Dermaplaning Duration
Selling Used Designer Handbags
10 Expert Tips for Selling Your Used Designer Handbags for Top Dollar

Entertainment

bappam tv
Stream Telugu Movies on Bappam TV: Watch Bappam Telugu Movies Online
doctor odyssey disney sexual harassment lawsuit
Doctor Odyssey Crew Sues Disney Over On-Set Sexual Harassment
Taylor Swift Buys Back Her First 6 Albums’ Master Recordings
Taylor Swift Buys Back Her First 6 Albums’ Master Recordings
lainey wilson boyfriend
Lainey Wilson’s Boyfriend: Love Story That Will Surprise You
jasmine crockett net worth
Jasmine Crockett Net Worth: Congress Representative Crockett's Impressive $9 Million in 2025

GAMING

Parental Guide for Kid-Friendly Gaming
Parental Guide to Safe and Age-Appropriate Gaming for Kids
How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
Gaming for Mental Health: How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
unblocked games granny
Play Granny Unblocked: Online Game Fun With Unblocked Games Granny
PC vs Console Gaming
PC vs Console Gaming: Which One Should You Choose?
Guide to Building a Custom Gaming PC
Beginner’s Guide to Building a Custom Gaming PC

BUSINESS

Circular Economy
The Circular Economy Explained: Why It Matters in 2025
Rise of Urban Micro-Fulfillment Centers
The Rise of Urban Micro-Fulfillment Centers: What It Means for E-Commerce
ftasiastock technology news
Breaking Ftasiastock Technology News: Supply Chain Insights Unveiled
Digital Nomad Taxes
Digital Nomad Taxes Explained: How to Legally Save Thousands in 2025
AI and Drones in Last-Mile Delivery
How AI and Drones Are Revolutionizing Last-Mile Delivery in 2025

TECHNOLOGY

Anthropic Launches Voice Chat for Claude Mobile Users
Anthropic Launches Real-Time Voice Chat for Claude Mobile Users
Instagram Story Viewer Tools
Instagram Story Viewer Tools That Actually Work in 2025
Protect Yourself from Data Breaches
How to Protect Yourself from Data Breaches?
AI Portraits
Retro Royalty: Design AI Portraits of Imaginary Kings and Queens
Protect Teenagers From Online Scams
How to Protect Teenagers From Online Scams?

HEALTH

How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
Gaming for Mental Health: How Video Games Help Reduce Stress
Meaning in the Everyday
Moments that Change: Do We See the Meaning in the Everyday?
Tighten Your Skin After Losing Weight
5 Ways to Tighten Your Skin After Losing Weight
Physician Contract Negotiations
What Are the Common Red Flags in Physician Contract Negotiations?
Who Benefits Most from In-Home Care Services
Who Benefits Most from In-Home Care Services