Jovian moons may contain water, sustain life - scientists
MOSCOW. March 14 (Interfax-AVN) - Scientists are enthusiastic about Jovian moons Europa, Ganymede and Callisto, which may contain water and sustain life, Active Academic Advisor of the Russian Academy of Engineering Sciences Yuri Zaitsev said.
"Scientists are positive that the Jovian moons, primarily Europa, Ganymede and Callisto, are much more promising than Mars from the life sustenance point of view. These moons are the most probable spot of life in the entire solar system, naturally, besides the Earth itself," he said.
There is information that the moons are glazed with ice, the expert remarked.
"There may be oceans under the ice shell of Europa and Ganymede. Water means life. The large qualities of water are direct evidence of abiogenesis - life originating from non-organic matter. Europe and Ganymede completed that transformation a long time ago and scientists suspect them of having a developed bio-sphere now," Zaitsev said.
"It is important to study the moons of Jupiter from the economic point of view: they are the best option in colonization of the solar system," he said.
"If the theory of large water reserves proves right, it would be an important step towards the first-ever autonomous space base," Zaitsev said.
"Exploration of giant planets and their moons is essential for understanding the solar system genesis, its chemical composition and planetary atmospheres," the expert said.
"Jupiter is of the biggest interest. Actually, it is the archetype, the original pattern of all giant planets of the solar system and many planets circling around other stars. Studies of this planet will improve understanding of the structure of gas giants and their ability to sustain life. They will also help understand if there are current conditions for the formation of planets and the appearance of life," he said.