Europa, one of Jupiter’s many moons, has captivated scientists as a potential haven for life. But what would it be like to actually stand on this icy world? One crucial factor for any future human explorers would be Europa’s gravity. This article explores how Europa’s gravity compares to Earth’s and what that means for potential missions.
(Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SETI Institute)
Europa’s gravitational pull is significantly weaker than Earth’s. Specifically, Europa’s surface gravity is only about 13% of Earth’s. This means that a person who weighs 150 pounds on Earth would weigh a mere 20 pounds on Europa. This difference in gravity is due to Europa’s smaller mass and size compared to our planet. While Earth is a rocky planet with a dense core, Europa is primarily composed of rock and a vast, subsurface ocean covered by a thick layer of ice.
(Image credit: By Karl Tate, Infographics Artist)
This low gravity would have a significant impact on human explorers. Walking, running, and even jumping would feel very different. Astronauts would likely bounce around with ease, taking much larger strides than they would on Earth. However, this reduced gravity also means a very thin atmosphere, virtually nonexistent. Similar to Earth’s moon, Europa lacks weather phenomena like wind or clouds. The sky would appear black, even during the day, due to the lack of atmospheric scattering of sunlight.
The low gravity also affects the landscape. Europa’s surface is relatively smooth, with few mountains or large craters. This is because the moon’s icy shell is constantly being reshaped by the tidal forces of Jupiter and the potential movement of the underlying ocean. Instead of towering peaks and valleys, explorers would encounter smaller ridges and cracks in the ice.
While Europa’s low gravity might seem like a fun novelty, it presents challenges for establishing a human presence. The weak atmosphere provides no protection from harmful radiation from Jupiter. Any future base would need to be heavily shielded to protect inhabitants. Additionally, the low gravity could have long-term effects on human health, potentially leading to bone and muscle loss.
Despite these challenges, Europa remains a compelling target for exploration. The possibility of a vast, liquid ocean beneath its icy surface makes it one of the most promising places in our solar system to search for extraterrestrial life. Understanding Europa’s gravity is crucial for planning future missions and for imagining what it might be like to one day walk on this intriguing moon. Further exploration, like the proposed Europa Clipper mission, will provide more detailed information about Europa’s surface and its potential for harboring life. This mission aims to perform multiple flybys of Europa, mapping its surface and studying its composition in greater detail.
