It was announced that the Webb space telescope detected carbon dioxide (CO2) on the surface of the moon Europa, one of Jupiter’s largest satellites.
The universe has always been an enigma for scientists and they constantly research to find out what is in space and discover if there is life on other planets.
For this reason, NASA sent the James Webb space telescope, whose goal is to explore other planets like Jupiter.
CO2 detected on Jupiter’s moon
It was recently announced that the Webb space telescope detected carbon dioxide (CO2) on the surface of the moon Europa, one of Jupiter‘s largest satellites.
According to information from NASA, the Webb space telescope detected carbon dioxide in a specific area of Europa called ‘Tara Regio’ and the CO2 probably originated in the underground ocean, so it is ruled out that it has been transported by meteorites or external sources.
Why is it relevant to have found CO2?
It should be noted that Europa is one of the places in the Solar System where there could be life because researchers estimate that under its water ice crust, there would be a salty ocean of liquid water with a rocky seabed.
Despite this discovery, it is not known if the chemical conditions exist for life to exist.
This finding opens the possibility that Europa is habitable because on Earth life is based on carbon and understanding the chemistry of Europa’s ocean would help determine if it can be a habitable place.
They will do more research
Scientists want to investigate further and wait for more observations from the James Webb Space Telescope because until now it is unknown to what extent Europa‘s ocean is connected to its surface.
Why is carbon so important?
Life on Earth is based on the chemistry of carbon whose functions are multiple since it can be used as a raw material in industries, means of transportation, and as a source of energy.
In general, the carbon atom is the most important of biological molecules. In addition, it is used as a substrate in various physical-chemical reactions and biological processes. Carbon is also used by cells as a source of energy.
In the ecosystem, carbon is part of the soils, oceans, and atmosphere of the planet, with living beings being the intermediaries of the flow and conversion of carbon.
So carbon is fundamental to life as we know it on Earth.
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