Jupiter's moon Europa generates less oxygen than previously estimated, based on data from NASA's Juno mission.

New research suggests that Jupiter's moon Europa may have less oxygen than previously believed, which could affect the potential for life in the moon's underground ocean. Using data from NASA's Juno mission, a study led by Princeton University's Jamey Szalay published in Nature Astronomy reveals that Europa generates less oxygen than previously estimated. The process of oxygen production on Europa differs from Earth's photosynthesis, as charged particles from space break down frozen water into hydrogen and oxygen molecules. The findings are not entirely prohibitive for habitability, but indicate that oxygen availability may be lower than previously thought.