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Explanation: The ridges on Europa may be caused by cold water volcanoes. Europa, one of the largest moons of Jupiter, has been the source of intense scrutiny since speculation increased of there being oceans beneath its icy surface. Currently the Galileo spacecraft orbiting Jupiter is on an extended mission designed, in part, to study Europa's surface in greater detail. The above image highlights features common to Europa's surface: pure blue water ice beneath lighter ridges that run for many kilometers. These ridges may result from volcanic cracks in the ice where emerging liquid water froze upon exposure to the cold of deep space. The reasons for the colors of the ridges remain uncertain.
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NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris. Specific rights apply.
A service of: LHEA at NASA / GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
Based on Astronomy Picture
Of the Day
Publications with keywords: Jupiter - Europa
Publications with words: Jupiter - Europa
See also:
- APOD: 2025 April 2 Б Jupiter and Ring in Infrared from Webb
- APOD: 2025 March 9 Б Cyclones at Jupiters North Pole
- APOD: 2025 February 16 Б Perijove 11: Passing Jupiter
- Stereo Jupiter near Opposition
- APOD: 2024 November 3 Б Jupiter Abyss
- APOD: 2024 May 19 Б Jupiter Diving
- APOD: 2024 April 21 Б Perijove 16: Passing Jupiter