Electrical Conductivity and Magnetic Induction on Europa

Abstract:

Europa, a Galilean moon, and other icy ocean worlds are promising places to search for life on other planets. The detection of an induced magnetic field around Europa, in response to Jupiter’s time-varying magnetic field, provided conclusive evidence that an electrically conductive subsurface ocean layer exists beneath Europa’s icy crust. To help prepare for future missions to Europa, accurate computational models of Europa can be used to optimize the interpretation of instrument investigations. Specifically, existing thermodynamics–based models of Europa’s interior, coupled with relevant electrical conductivity data for aqueous solutions, can be used to assess the detectability of different possible interior structures linked to Europa's formation, thermal evolution, and its habitability. Further laboratory experiments are needed to provide missing electrical conductivity values for possible Europa ocean compositions, namely at high salinity, low temperature, and high pressure. We will describe currently available electrical conductivity data relative to Europa's expected composition, and share results from new laboratory measurements.

Acknowledgements: A part of this work was carried out at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, under a contract with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (80NM0018D0004).