Life could exist on Jupiter's moon

Io is one of the hottest bodies in the Solar System, with hundreds of craters and electromagnetic activity. It has high temperatures and is rich in metals and chemicals such as sulfur and silica. However, some studies suggest that alien microorganisms may exist there.

The volcanic moon Io orbits Jupiter. Scientists have long dismissed the possibility of aliens on Io due to its immense heat and lava-covered surface, which is unsuitable for life.

Jupiter's moon Io is similar in size to Earth's Moon. (Photo: NASA).

However, recent scientific evidence has changed the view of researchers. They believe that life still exists below Io. The creatures may be growing inside lava caves, pushing magma to the surface of this satellite.

According to BGR , the claim that Io has life is an interesting point of view. Recently, NASA's Juno spacecraft, which specializes in exploring Jupiter and its orbiting moons, sent back images of Io. These images give scientists new insights into the surface of this satellite.

Most of us know Io as an aging moon, discovered during the Galileo spacecraft's exploration of Jupiter's moon system 20 years ago. With more than 400 active volcanoes, Io is one of the hottest and most geologically active bodies in the Solar System.

This satellite is similar in size to Earth's Moon but is full of volcanoes, lava, boiling lava lakes, sharp cliffs that spew smoke… Another big difference of Io is that aliens may exist. This is an interesting point that makes scientists study Jupiter's satellite more deeply.

Lava vents appear all over the surface of the satellite Io. (Photo: NASA).

Scientists believe that microorganisms may thrive inside lava tubes that push lava from the planet's core to Io's surface. Earth has similar ecosystems that thrive inside lava tubes, so scientists believe that it's possible that extraterrestrial life could be emerging from these tubes.

According to Big Think , a simulation experiment has shown that the heat on this satellite helps keep the lava layer below the planet's surface. However, some of the volcanic eruptions on this moon are so large that they push the lava hundreds of kilometers away, into space. The caves through which this lava flows are where life on Io exists.

However, the lack of water is a major problem on Mars. In return, much of Io's surface is covered in sulfur ice and sulfur dioxide. Therefore, scientists believe that sulfur would be a substitute for water, nourishing the life source of the microbial ecosystem here.

According to BGR , Io may not be the ideal place for aliens to exist as we think, but it cannot be denied that there is still life outside of Earth. This discovery will help scientists in their search for aliens in the universe.