Voyager 2 photo of Europa, one of Jupiters moons

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Voyager 2 photo of Europa, one of Jupiters moons

Voyager 2 photograph showing surface details of Europa, one of the moons of Jupiter. It is thought that the crust of the moon is water ice 75-100km thick & surrounding a rocky interior. The surface of Europa is featureless except for the striking curvilinear markings which are clearly seen in this image. The individual dark bands are 20-40km in width & stretch for thousands of kilometres across the face of the moon. One explanation for the markings is that expansion caused the crust to fracture & that the fractures later refilled with water, which froze

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Media ID 6444951

© NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY

Cosmology Europa Jovian Moon Jupiter Moon Planetary Voyager Imagery

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> Science > Space Exploration > The Moon

> Science > Space Exploration > Planets > Jupiter

EDITORS COMMENTS
This print from the Voyager 2 spacecraft showcases the enigmatic moon Europa, one of Jupiter's many celestial companions. The image reveals intricate surface details that have left scientists in awe. Europa's crust is believed to be composed of a staggering 75-100 kilometers thick layer of water ice, encasing a rocky interior. While the majority of Europa's surface appears smooth and featureless, this photograph unveils an extraordinary sight: striking curvilinear markings etched across its face. These distinct dark bands stretch for thousands of kilometers and measure between 20-40 kilometers in width. Scientists theorize that these mysterious patterns are a result of expansion within the moon's crust, causing fractures to form. Over time, these fractures were filled with water which subsequently froze. The implications behind these mesmerizing formations spark curiosity about what lies beneath Europa's icy exterior. Could there be hidden oceans teeming with life? This image serves as a reminder that our universe holds countless secrets waiting to be unraveled by intrepid explorers and scientific pioneers. Thanks to Science Photo Library for capturing this stunning moment from Voyager 2's journey through space—a testament to humanity’s insatiable thirst for knowledge about distant worlds beyond our own blue planet.

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