Abstract

The anticipated material captured from a flythrough of Europa’s putative plumes is investigated using a simple model. With parameters appropriate to observed constraints (plume height 100–200km, column mass 1E20 H2O molecules/m2, originating in a liquid water exposure), bacterial cells of ∼10μm could be lofted even to the plume tops, but no particles larger than 2mm will be lofted above ∼2km, a likely lower limit on feasible altitude. Intercepted mass densities of 1E−5 to 1E−3kg/m2 are calculated. With a small in-situ sampler at the lowest altitudes a few hundred cells might be captured if the liquid is as abundant in biota as the richest environments on Earth, but statistically less than 1 cell for Vostok waters, a Europa analog. The imperative for a large collection area is noted. The likelihood of capturing at least a single cell, with a log-uniform prior of cell abundances, is proposed as a science value metric for different flyby altitudes.

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.