Researchers have made a groundbreaking discovery on icy ocean worlds like Jupiter’s Europa, shedding light on a novel thermodynamic concept called the “cenotectic.” This concept helps determine the conditions under which liquid water can remain stable in extreme environments, offering insights into their habitability.
Dr. Matt Powell-Palm and Dr. Baptiste Journaux from Texas A&M University have introduced a new framework that bridges cryobiology and planetary science to tackle one of the most fascinating challenges in planetary science. The “cenotectic” measures the absolute lowest temperature at which a liquid remains stable under varying pressures and concentrations.
The study combines Powell-Palm’s expertise in low-temperature thermodynamics with Journaux’s knowledge of high-pressure water-ice systems. Together, they aim to provide critical insights into the potential habitability of icy moons like Europa and other ocean-bearing worlds across our solar system.
NASA’s Europa Clipper mission is set to launch soon, aiming to explore Jupiter’s icy moon in greater detail. By analyzing data from this mission and experimental studies, scientists hope to unlock the secrets of cold, ocean-bearing worlds and evaluate their potential to harbor life.
Source: https://scitechdaily.com/the-chilling-discovery-that-could-point-to-life-beyond-earth