Jupiter’s icy moon Europa is considered one of only a few bodies in our solar system that has the potential to host some form of life.
It has a ocean deep beneath a frozen crust, which like Earth’s, may contain salt, and plumes of water vapor have been discovered above the surface.
Now, scientists say the moon may visibly glow green in the dark as high levels of radiation from Jupiter’s powerful magnetic field interact with its moon’s icy surface.
Laboratory simulations found that irradiated ice emits a greenish light in a process called “electron-stimulated luminescence.”
“The night-time ice glow occurring on Europa may be very unique and unlike any other phenomenon in our solar system,” the study said.
