Surprising Discovery Suggests Hidden Ocean in Solar System

NEW YORK – Latest discoveries from Telescopes Outer space James Webb (JWST) shows the high probability of an ocean beneath the surface of Ariel, one of Uranus’ moons.

This conclusion is based on the detection of carbon dioxide ice on Ariel’s surface, which should not be there if there were no internal processes constantly supplying it.

As reported by Science Alert, the presence of oceans beneath the moon’s surface is often associated with the potential for the existence of life, especially if the oceans contain organic chemicals and energy sources.

The discovery adds to the growing list of bodies in the solar system that have subsurface oceans, including Europa and Enceladus. It suggests that oceans may be more common than previously thought.

The mechanisms that allow for the existence of oceans and volcanic activity on this distant moon provide new insights into complex geological processes in the solar system.

JWST detected the presence of carbon dioxide ice on Ariel’s surface, especially on the far side of the moon away from its orbit.

At Uranus’s distance from the Sun, carbon dioxide should evaporate and not freeze on the surface.

Scientists hypothesize that this carbon dioxide originates from the subsurface ocean and then escapes to the surface through volcanic activity.

Spectral analysis performed by JWST shows that carbon dioxide ice deposits on Ariel are very thick, supporting the hypothesis of an internal source.

This discovery opens the door for further research into icy moons in the solar system.

Future missions, such as the one to Uranus currently under consideration by NASA, will provide more detailed data and allow scientists to confirm the existence of oceans and understand the processes that occur within them.

(wbs)