Europa

In this chapter, we delve into an extensive examination of Europa, the most promising ocean worlds in our Solar System. Our exploration begins with an in-depth review of its initial discovery by Galileo, followed by a comprehensive analysis of the observations made over the centuries preceding the era of spacecraft exploration. We also review in detail the Galileo mission, its genesis, the technical problems the spacecraft faced during its mission, and the considerable amount of science it generated during its numerous observations of Europa. The observations conducted by spacecraft which provided unprecedented insights into Europa’s surface features and geological characteristics are also reviewed. We also dive into the mechanisms that we believe takes place within and underneath the moon’s icy crust. Furthermore, we provide insights into the lines of evidence bolstering the hypothesis that Europa harbors a subsurface ocean, endeavoring to elucidate its nature and characteristics. Additionally, we explore the concept of habitability within the context of Europa, contemplating the potential conditions that could support life.