Europa's Ocean

Europa is one of Jupiter's biggest moons. It has a thick shell of ice on the outside. Under the ice, scientists think there is a huge ocean of salty water. This ocean may hold more water than all of Earth's oceans put together.

A Hidden Sea

The surface of Europa is frozen solid. Long cracks and lines cover the ice. Below the ice, heat from inside the moon keeps water from freezing. This makes a deep ocean that could be 60 miles deep. That is much deeper than any ocean on Earth.

Could Life Live There

Scientists are very excited about Europa's ocean. Where there is water, there might be life. Tiny living things could swim in the dark sea under the ice. NASA is sending a spacecraft called Europa Clipper to study the moon. It will look for signs that life could live there.

Fun Facts

• Europa is a little smaller than Earth's Moon.
• Europa was discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610.
• The ice on Europa may be many miles thick.

Did You Know?

Europa's ocean has been hidden under the ice for billions of years. No one has ever seen it up close.