Jupiter's moon Europa radiates glow even without the Sun

New Delhi : When it comes to moon there is always a calm feeling behind an excitement to know more about it; scientists have added to that feeling by revealing about Jupiter's moon which can glow even without the Sun, unlike Earth's moon whose glow is dependent.

Jupiter's moon is known as 'Europa' and the scientists have found that since it is exposed to high radiations from Jupiter itself, the moon is capable of radiating glow even in the dark.

Research by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has revealed this in detail. The radiation from Jupiter has a different effect on the elements existing over Europa, causing a different luminosity. In some places it looks green, blue and white and the brightness varies.

Europa's composition is mainly of ice and magnesium sulfate (Epsom salt) and sodium chloride (table salt). New research has revealed that under ice-like conditions, these salts and radiation in the snow create a glow.

Meanwhile, NASA is all set to send its mission to Europa Clipper in the 2020s. Under the mission, the scientists will try to know more about the radiations in detail.

So, the major difference between our moon and Jupiter’s moon is that our moon shines with sunlight. So when there is no sun it stays in the dark but due to the radiation Europa glows in the dark.