Jupiter’s icy moon Europa may host life in an ocean of liquid water hidden under its 10 kilometre-deep ice crust, scientists say. The uranium breaks down the water molecules to produce free radicals,” Galante said. This is the first time ecosystem has been found to survive directly on the basis of nuclear energy, Galante said. This makes the icy moon suffer geometrical deformation as it moves at the mercy of Jupiter’s immense tidal force. According to the study published in the journal Scientific Reports, pyrite is a crucial ingredient whose presence is indispensable for life in Europa.

Source: Hindustan Times February 25, 2018 05:37 UTC