Why Is the JUICE Mission Targeting Ganymede Instead of Europa?

[skydivephil]

Are there any papers describing the possibility of life on Ganymede? I understand it is believed to have a liquid water ocean. But few seem as excited about Ganymede as they are about Europa. Is this becuase of the location of the ocean?

If there are few or no prospects for lilfe on Ganymede why is the JUICE mission focusing on Ganymede? I thought Europa was what everyone is exicted about , now I read the Laplace is canceled and ESA are looking to go ahead to Ganymede and prety much forget Europa.

 

[Radrook]

Are there any papers describing the possibility of life on Ganymede? I understand it is believed to have a liquid water ocean. But few seem as excited about Ganymede as they are about Europa. Is this becuase of the location of the ocean?

If there are few or no prospects for lilfe on Ganymede why is the JUICE mission focusing on Ganymede? I thought Europa was what everyone is exicted about , now I read the Laplace is canceled and ESA are looking to go ahead to Ganymede and prety much forget Europa.

Here is a relevant excerpt on Gaymede:

Possibility of Life


It has been suggested that Ganymede may be amenable to life. However, scientists say that the chances of life existing on Europa are much higher than on Ganymede, because Europa's ocean is closer to the surface than Ganymede's.

While temperatures are extremely low, & there is very little atmosphere, it does have its own magnetic field that might protect life from harmful radiation, & it lies in a relatively quiet radio zone around Jupiter unlike Europa.
http://www.info-facts.com/ganymede.htm

The Juice Mission does schedule more orbital time to Gaynmede than to Europa.
http://www.lpi.usra.edu/pss/dec2011/presentations/JoanSalute.pdf

 

[Super Luminal]

I'd love to see more scientific analysis on Ganymede via probe missions and telescope. I was unaware that it is thought to have an ocean. That link referenced by Radrook isn't worth a darn, by the way (the content, that is; the link works fine, but I know BS when I see it).

 

[Radrook]

I'd love to see more scientific analysis on Ganymede via probe missions and telescope. I was unaware that it is thought to have an ocean. That link referenced by Radrook isn't worth a darn, by the way (the content, that is; the link works fine, but I know BS when I see it).

Deleted

 

[pmacias]

As a scientist, it is important to consider all factors and evidence when discussing the potential for life on other celestial bodies. While it is true that Ganymede is believed to have a liquid water ocean, there is currently no conclusive evidence or papers that definitively suggest the presence of life on this moon. The excitement surrounding Europa is primarily due to the strong evidence of a subsurface ocean and the potential for habitable conditions.

However, the JUICE mission's focus on Ganymede does not necessarily mean that it is the more promising candidate for life. The mission will provide valuable insights and data on the moon's surface and subsurface, which will help us better understand its potential habitability and potential for life. It is also worth noting that the decision to focus on Ganymede may have been influenced by various factors such as technical feasibility, cost, and availability of resources.

Regarding the cancellation of the Laplace mission and the shift towards Ganymede, it is important to remember that the scientific community is constantly evolving and adapting based on new evidence and discoveries. While Europa may have been the primary focus in the past, the decision to shift towards Ganymede may be based on new findings and potential opportunities for research and exploration.

In conclusion, as a scientist, I believe it is important to remain open-minded and continue to explore and study all potential sources of life in our solar system. The JUICE mission will provide valuable information and insights on Ganymede, which will help us better understand its potential for life and inform future missions. It is important to continue to support and fund scientific research and exploration, as it is crucial in expanding our understanding of the universe and our place within it.