Image: Study casts doubt on potential for life on Jupiter's moon Europa By Will Dunham January 6, 2026 WASHINGTON, Jan 6 (Reuters) - Jupiter's moon Europa is on the short list of places in our solar system seen as promising in the search for life beyond Earth, with a large subsurface ocean thought to be hidden under an outer shell of ice. But new research is raising questions about whether Europa in fact has what it takes for habitability. The study assessed the potential on Europa's ocean bottom for tectonic and volcanic activity, which on Earth facilitate interactions between rock and seawater that generate essential nutrients and chemical energy for life. After modeling Europa's conditions, the researchers concluded that its rocky seafloor is likely mechanically too strong to allow such activity. Read the full article at: Study casts doubt on potential for life on Jupiter's moon Europa Type of News/Audience: Department News Research Areas: Planetary Geology Read More: Reuters
