By John Hackett, Chairperson of South East Astronomy Club

Tuesday 4th March at 8pm in the Function Room at Henry Downes Public House, Thomas Street, Waterford, X91 P959

For more information go to https://www.facebook.com/seastronomy

Several moons in our solar system are believed to have vast subsurface oceans, making them intriguing targets in the search for extraterrestrial life. Here’s an overview of some of the most prominent ocean moons:
Jovian Moons:

Europa (Jupiter)
Covered in a thick layer of ice, with strong evidence of a subsurface ocean.
Possible hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor could support microbial life.
Plumes of water vapor have been detected, hinting at exchanges between the ocean and surface.

Ganymede (Jupiter)
Largest moon in the solar system.
Has a magnetic field, suggesting a salty subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust.
Multiple layers of ice and water, possibly with deeper liquid reservoirs.

Callisto (Jupiter)
Less geologically active than Europa and Ganymede.
Signs of an ocean deep beneath a thick, undisturbed icy surface.
Lower radiation levels make it a potential target for human exploration.

Saturnian Moons:

Enceladus (Saturn)
A global subsurface ocean beneath an icy crust.
Geysers at the south pole spew water vapor, organic compounds, and silica, hinting at hydrothermal activity.
A prime candidate for hosting microbial life.

Titan (Saturn)
Has surface lakes of liquid methane and ethane, but also a deep internal water ocean.
Thick atmosphere rich in organic molecules, making it a unique world for astrobiology.
Potential for exotic life forms adapted to methane-based chemistry.

Neptunian Moon:

Triton (Neptune)
Likely captured from the Kuiper Belt, making it an unusual moon.
Possibility of a subsurface ocean due to internal heating.
Active cryovolcanism, suggesting subsurface liquid activity.