PBS Space Time Season 2016 Episode 37 Life on Europa?

PBS Space Time season 2016 episode 37 titled "Life on Europa?" explores the possibility of life existing on Jupiter's moon, Europa. This episode delves into the surprising discoveries that have been made about Europa, such as the presence of a global ocean beneath its icy crust. Astronomers believe that this ocean may contain more than twice the amount of water that is present on Earth.

The episode discusses why Europa has become such an interesting target for astrobiologists looking for life beyond Earth. Scientists have discovered that the conditions on Europa are potentially habitable, with the necessary ingredients for life, such as heat, water, and essential elements, present on the moon.

The episode goes on to explain the various missions and explorations that have taken place in the search for life on Europa. The episode highlights the Galileo spacecraft, which was launched in 1989, and was the first to fly by Europa. This spacecraft detected several intriguing features, such as long linear fractures, which hinted at the possibility of geysers, and the presence of a possible subsurface ocean.

The episode also discusses the upcoming mission to Europa, which will send a spacecraft to the moon to explore its habitability and search for signs of life. The mission, called Europa Clipper, is expected to launch in the mid-2020s and will investigate Europa's surface, subsurface ocean, and atmosphere. The episode delves into the excitement surrounding this mission and the anticipation of the discoveries that may be made.

The episode also explains the challenges that come with exploring Europa, such as the harsh radiation environment that may damage spacecraft and affect scientific instruments. The episode discusses the various ways that scientists and engineers are developing technologies and strategies to overcome these challenges and ensure the mission's success.

PBS Space Time season 2016 episode 37 concludes by highlighting the importance of exploring Europa and the potential implications of finding life on the moon. This discovery could have profound implications for our understanding of the origin and distribution of life in the universe, and could even lead to a fundamental shift in our philosophy and worldview.

Overall, "Life on Europa?" is a fascinating episode that explores the potential for life to exist on one of the most intriguing objects in our solar system. Through a combination of scientific exploration and technological innovation, we may finally unlock the secrets of this mysterious icy moon and discover whether we are truly alone in the universe.