NASA Finds a Crucial Life-Building Chemical on Jupiter’s Moon

Jan 31, 2026 - 10:00
NASA Finds a Crucial Life-Building Chemical on Jupiter’s Moon
Scientists studying archival Galileo spacecraft data have identified ammonia-bearing compounds on Europa for the first time. The ammonia appears along surface cracks, indicating recent transport from the moon’s subsurface ocean. Because ammonia contains nitrogen and degrades quickly under radiation, its presence strengthens Europa’s status as a promising target in the search for extraterrestrial life.