Lecture 9

Question 1

For tidal heating to occur, a moon has to be close to a massive planet to raise tidal bulges. Besides that, what else is a requirement for tidal heating?

Answer 1

The moon has to have a slightly eccentric orbit around the planet

Question 2

Why is Europa’s subsurface liquid water ocean so interesting for astrobiology?

Answer 2

because it can interact with the geologically active rocky seafloor, as well as with the icy surface, increasing its potential for life

Question 3

Why is Titan interesting for astrobiology?

Answer 3

because its atmosphere contains organic molecules and has liquids on its surface

Question 4

Which one of the following is not a requirement for the amount of tidal heating that Io and Europa experience?

Answer 4

the strong magnetic field of Jupiter

Question 5

In order for life to be possible on Jovian moons, far outside the classic habitable zone, which one of the following is not required for this?

Answer 5

a very dense atmosphere

Question 6

Enceladus, a small moon of Saturn, also turned out to be an interesting place for astrobiology, why?

Answer 6

its icy geysers indicate the presence of liquid water in some parts below the surface

Question 7

Europa is

Answer 7

smooth and young (no craters), and is covered with cracks

Question 8

Europa’s exchange of chemicals

Answer 8

the likely presence of a sub-surface ocean of liquid water (perhaps as much as 150 km deep) which could provide a medium and solvent for life. Plus, this ocean is in contact with the rocky interior of the moon

Question 9

Volcanic vents in Europa

Answer 9

There is the possible presence of undersea volcanic vents, which could furnish energy and nutrients for organisms.