Jupiter’s moon, Europe, glows in the dark due to radiation – BCFocus

Many tales have been written about moonlight and the brightness of our moon, from science to literature, but there is another moon in the universe, the beauty of which may soon be common. The moon of Jupiter (Jupiter) is Europa (Europa). Scientists have conducted several laboratory experiments to learn more about the environment of this full moon of ice and oceans. Jupiter emits a large amount of high-energy radiation on the surface of Europe. Due to their impact on the surface, Europa also glows in the dark, resulting in a very beautiful view. (All photos: NASA)

Somewhere green, somewhere white …

Research from NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has revealed this in detail. The radiation from Jupiter has a different effect on the elements existing in Europe, causing a different brightness. In some places it appears green, blue and white and the brightness varies. Scientists split light into different wavelengths using spectrometers. Elements in the ice can be detected based on each spectrum.

Is there life on Europe?

Murti Gudapati, the lead scientist for this research, said she can also explore the possibilities of life on Europa. In fact, Europa has a large amount of inland ocean that looks like ice on the surface. From superficial research, scientists can do more in-depth research on the underlying elements. The special thing is that this is usually done using sunlight, but in the new results it was discovered how Europa glows in the dark.

Is it on the surface?

Scientists have found that Europa’s surface may consist of ice and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) and sodium chloride (table salt), based on previous experiments. New research has found that in ice-like conditions, these salts and radiation in the snow create a glow. The brightness was also different when experimenting with different ice compositions. NASA is now ready to send its mission to Europa Clipper in the 1920s. With this help, radiation on the surface of Europe will be studied.

Out of our moon

For this, the JPL team prepared the ice chamber for ICE-HEART (High Energy Electron and Radiation Environment) testing in Europe. He was taken to the Maryland High Energy Electron Beam Facility and attempted to see how the radiation would affect organic matter under the ice of Europe. During this period, it was found that different luminosities were observed at different ice compositions. The difference between our moon and Jupiter’s moon is that our moon shines with sunlight. So when there is no sun it stays in the dark, but due to the radiation Europa lights up in the dark.