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Maybe, but not necessarily. The heat on Europa would not come from the sun but from the gravitational friction (tidal flexing) caused by Jupiter. This would li
by lbrandy 17y ago
Maybe, but not necessarily.
The heat on Europa would not come from the sun but from the gravitational friction (tidal flexing) caused by Jupiter. This would likely cause quite a bit of volcanic activity under the surface and possibly create deep underwater vents. There is an analogue on earth in the deep ocean and the so-called hydrothermal vents. There are ecosystems down there that exist without energy from the sun.
- stcredzero 17y agoA lot of the bacteria by those vents get their energy from sulfur compounds. Other creatures can then eat these bacteria. Europan life is likely to be cold, damp, and smelly!