Planet Details

Image of Europa

Europa

One of Jupiter's largest moons, with a smooth, icy surface hiding a potential subsurface saltwater ocean.

Key Facts

Type

Moon

Parent Planet

Jupiter

Diameter

3,121 km

Surface

Water Ice

Course Information
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Europa is the smallest of the four Galilean moons orbiting Jupiter. It is slightly smaller than Earth's Moon. The most compelling feature of Europa is the strong evidence for a liquid water ocean beneath its icy crust, making it a prime candidate in the search for extraterrestrial life.