Europa (originally refered to as Jupiter II) is a Jovian moon, one of the four galilean moons, and the sixth-closest Jovian moon to Jupiter.
Discovery of Europa[]
Europa was discovered by Galileo Galilei on January 8, 1610. Europa was discovered alongside Io, Ganymede and Callisto on the same day. Europa was orginally thought to be the second-closest moon to Jupiter, until 4 other moons were discovered, pushing Europa to sixth.
Possibility of Life on Europa[]
Life is thought to exist under the surface of Europa, due to beliefs of a gigantic ocean under the crust of Europa. An unnamed spacecraft was in development, and sent to Europa and other Jovian moons was planned, but NASA cut off all funds for the probe.
Gallery[]
A map showing the inside of Europa.
Europa seen from Voyager 1
