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Europa's Oxygen Production Lower Than Expected, Juno Finds

NASA's Juno spacecraft reveals Jupiter's moon Europa generates less oxygen than previously thought, but still holds potential for microbial life.

  • New findings suggest Jupiter's moon Europa produces significantly less oxygen than previously estimated, potentially impacting its habitability.
  • Europa's ocean, beneath a frozen shell, is considered one of the best candidates for supporting extraterrestrial life in the solar system.
  • NASA's Juno spacecraft's direct measurements indicate about 26 pounds of oxygen are produced on Europa every second.
  • Despite lower oxygen levels, the amount produced is still deemed sufficient to support microbial life.
  • NASA's upcoming Europa Clipper mission, set to launch in October, will further investigate Europa's potential for life.
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