<\/figure>\n<\/p>\nSeen against the backdrop of Jupiter\u2019s dramatic, swirling atmosphere, Europa might at first appear a bit drab. With its greyish-white surface, you might even say it resembles a well-worn cue ball in a run-down pool hall. On closer inspection, however, the Jovian system\u2019s fourth-largest moon is shimmering with intrigue from deep within.<\/p>\n
From what we can tell, its icy outer layer conceals a vast global ocean containing twice the volume of water on Earth. This, in addition to hints of geophysical activity \u2013 such as the rusty lines that streak its surface \u2013 and complex chemistry, is why Europa has long captivated astronomers searching for habitable worlds beyond our pale blue dot. So could Europa have the conditions for life? We\u2019re about to find out.<\/p>\n
In October, NASA will launch Europa Clipper, a $5 billion probe that will get a closer look at the moon\u2019s geology and chemistry \u2013 and, with any luck, identify the telltale signatures of habitability. The mission has been decades in the making, building on previous forays that have thrown up tantalising clues as to what lurks inside the moon\u2019s frozen shell \u2013 and no shortage of questions.<\/p>\n
Clipper promises answers. It will study the moon\u2019s surface and the ocean hidden beneath in unprecedented detail. It could even sample the water in plumes of vapour if, as we suspect, they are erupting from Europa\u2019s surface. And although it isn\u2019t designed to find direct evidence of life \u2013 a bacterial cell, say \u2013 recent developments suggest there is a fleeting chance it could do exactly that. \u201cWith Europa Clipper, we\u2019re really entering\u2026<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
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