Europa May Host Life When Sun Becomes Red Giant, Say Cornell Researchers

Cornell researchers have unveiled intriguing possibilities for life beyond Earth, suggesting that Jupiter’s moon Europa might temporarily host life when our sun transforms into a red giant. This transformation, expected to occur in approximately five billion years, will cause the sun to expand dramatically, potentially warming Europa enough to support life forms. The moon, currently covered in a thick layer of ice, could experience melting, creating a habitable environment in its subsurface oceans. The study highlights that Europa could sustain life for a remarkable 200 million years during this red giant phase. This period would allow for the development and evolution of life forms, assuming other conditions such as chemical nutrients and energy sources are present. The research opens new avenues for understanding how celestial bodies within our solar system might evolve and become habitable in the distant future. While this scenario is purely theoretical and hinges on numerous variables, it underscores the dynamic nature of planetary systems and the potential for life in unexpected places. The findings encourage further exploration and study of icy moons like Europa, which continue to captivate scientists with their potential to reveal secrets about the origins and resilience of life in the cosmos.

— Authored by Next24 Live