Nasa spots evidence of water plumes on Jupiter's moon Europa

Jets of spouting vapour from the icy shell could be tested for signs of life beyond Earth, say scientists

160927-europa.jpg
Jupiter's moon Europa, as photographed by Nasa
(Image credit: Nasa/JPL/University of Arizona)

Jupiter's moon Europa may be expelling water plumes from under its icy shell, according to Nasa.

Tantalising evidence of what appeared to be spouting water vapour was spotted by scientists using ultraviolet light to observe the moon in silhouette, thanks to its planet serving as a bright light from behind.

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