3 ms·
If Europa is constantly leaking gas, how long before it runs out of fuel, so to speak?
by philipov 10y ago
If Europa is constantly leaking gas, how long before it runs out of fuel, so to speak?
- Udo 10y agoI don't know what the rate of mass loss is (I doubt anyone knows), but most objects in the solar systems are not static: they gas out but they also accumulate dust particles. Most of the gas giant moons have been emitting gas and particles into space since they formed, with most of that matter eventually falling onto the gas giant itself. My guess is the loss of volatiles is so slow that it would take many billions of years until the composition of the moon changes in an appreciable way.
- lolive 10y agoHoly cow! So the dust in my living room may come from space. Wow, you have changed my sweeping experience forever!!!