A new study casts doubt on life beneath Europa’s ice

New research challenges Europa's potential for hosting life by suggesting the Jupiter moon's seafloor lacks the geological activity necessary to support living organisms. Scientists modeled Europa's structure and Jupiter's gravitational effects, finding little evidence for tectonic movement, hydrothermal vents, or other energy sources on the ocean floor beneath the ice. While Europa likely contains a vast saltwater ocean, its stable orbit means weaker tidal forces compared to volcanic Io, making significant geological activity unlikely and reducing prospects for current life.