During a recent flyby, NASA took pictures of Jupiter's icy moon. NASA has released one of the photos that shows the surface features.
NASA diverted the attention of the craft to the planet's moons after it had been circling Jupiter for two years. Scientists think a salty ocean lies beneath the moon.
It could host ingredients for life if there is an ocean like that.
The image was taken during a flyby of the moon on September 29th. There are grooves and ridges in the ice in the 11,600 square mile swath of the image. The highest-resolution image taken of a specific portion of the moon is a black and white photo.
The first images from the flyby were built upon. According to a recent NASA release, there may be something underneath the moon's crust. There are signatures of high-energy particles in the white flecks of the picture.
The lead investigator for the camera used to take the image said the features are so intriguing. The internal and external processes that shaped the icy crust are explained by how they formed.
The investigation of Jupiter has expanded to include four Galilean satellites and the gas giant's rings.
The largest moon in the solar system will get its own flyby in three years. In the early 2030s, Jupiter will be replaced by NASA's Europa Clipper, which will investigate the ability to foster life with state-of- the-art instruments.
Beneath the ice, the surface may look hostile, but it could be a different story.
Check out the first up- close images of IcyEuropa.
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