New research sheds light on icy oceanic worlds like Jupiter's moon Europa, focusing on a new thermodynamic concept called "cenotactic"
Researchers from Texas A&M University reveal an innovative thermodynamic concept called "senotactics", which allows studying the stability of liquid water on icy worlds and provides new insights into the possibility of life in these environments.
The concept is intended to help determine the conditions under which liquid water can remain stable in extreme environments, thereby offering insights into the ability of these worlds to support life. The research is based on a unique collaboration between the field of cryobiology and the planetary sciences and aims to unravel the mysteries of the oceanic worlds throughout the solar system.
Coinciding with the historic launch of NASA's Clipper mission to the moon Europa, Texas A&M University Professor Matt Powell-Palm has unveiled groundbreaking research that could change our understanding of icy ocean worlds throughout the Solar System.
The study, published in the journal Nature Communications and written in collaboration with planetary scientist Dr. Baptiste Journeau of the University of Washington, introduces a new thermodynamic concept called "Senotactic". This concept deals with the stability of liquids under extreme conditions and provides vital insights into the possibility of life on icy moons like 'Europa' .
Threshold temperature of liquid water on ice moons
The study of frozen oceanic worlds is considered one of the new fields of research in planetary science, with an emphasis on understanding the conditions that may allow life in these environments. Powell-Palm's research deals with the central question in the field: under what conditions can liquid water remain stable in frozen and distant bodies?
By defining the term "senotactic" - the lowest temperature at which a liquid remains stable under varying pressures and concentrations - the researchers offer a critical framework for analyzing data obtained from planetary exploration missions.
The research combines Powell-Palm's expertise in cryobiology, a field that initially dealt with organ preservation for transplants, and Dr. Giorno's expertise in planetary science and water-ice systems at high pressures.
The Dragon Clipper spacecraft opens an era of exploring frozen worlds
According to Dr. Giorno: "With the launch of NASA's Dragon Clipper, the largest planetary exploration mission ever launched, we are entering an era of decades of exploration of icy oceanic worlds. Measurements from the laboratory, especially the cenotaphic temperature, together with the mission data , will allow us to assess the ability of the cold, deep oceans of the Solar System to support life."
The research was conducted at Texas A&M University under the leadership of student Arayan Zeriz from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. The work reflects the university's deep expertise in water-ice systems and its tradition of excellence in space research.
According to Powell-Palm: "Exploring ice worlds is a major priority for NASA and the European Space Agency, as evidenced by recent and planned space launches. We hope that Texas A&M will continue to lead in intellectual innovation in these areas."
Planetary exploration missions, focusing on icy ocean worlds, continue to expand our understanding of the Solar System. Researchers from Texas A&M University and other institutions are preparing to analyze the wealth of data that will be received.
By combining experimental studies, such as those of Powell-Palm and Giorno, with findings from space missions, scientists aim to unravel the secrets of cold ocean-bearing worlds and assess the potential for life in them.
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