(ORDO NEWS) — As part of a new study, scientists from the University of Texas, USA, created a computer model to calculate what happens when a comet collides with Jupiter’s moon Europa.
The model showed that if a comet pierces even half of the icy surface of Europa (which is estimated to be tens of kilometers thick), then the melted ice in the form of hot water will eat through the rest of the satellite’s shell and transfer various other chemicals necessary for the origin of life to the underground ocean from the surface.
Thus, potential living microorganisms can exist in the underground ocean.
In the study, the scientists simulated the environment of an impact crater after a comet impact with a diameter of 800 meters and a scheme for the penetration of melt water, entraining oxidizers, into the depths of the ice pad.
An article published in Geophysical Research Letters shows that if a comet breaks through half of Europa’s ice shell, then more than 40% of the melt water will enter the ocean.
Astronomers have previously detected dozens of craters on the moon’s surface, many of which have a distinct undulating shape, suggesting frozen melt water and post-impact movement under the craters.
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