Ocean worlds beyond Earth: NASA's hunt for life through water
Water, the cradle of life as we understand it, is no longer unique to Earth. From subsurface oceans on frozen moons to water vapor in extraterrestrial atmospheres, NASA's findings are redefining what we know about the universe.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
With its Ocean Worlds initiative, NASA is spearheading a high-stakes search for liquid water, thought to be the most critical factor for the presence of extraterrestrial life. (source: Nasa.gov)
Let us discover the undiscovered
Water in the universe
With the ease of imagining Earth as the single "blue planet," it's simple to forget that water is much more prevalent than previously thought. NASA says the Orion Nebula, which is a star-forming region 1,300 light-years from Earth, churns out 60 Earth oceans' worth of water daily.
That is not a romanticism but an estimate grounded in observation of water vapor clouds churning through interstellar space. These immense clouds of water are the material out of which stars, planets, and even life itself arise.
The ocean world of the solar system
Just a little closer to home, our solar system features a remarkable number of "ocean worlds", bodies that have liquid water present today or that have evidence of having had such in the past. Earth is only. But the others?
Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, has a hidden ocean beneath its icy crust that is potentially two times the size of all Earth's oceans combined.
This saltwater ocean is maintained in a liquid state due to the internal heat of the moon and potentially has the proper chemical conditions for life.
Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons, is smaller than the state of Arizona and harbors a global subsurface ocean. In 2005, NASA's Cassini spacecraft picked up gigantic plumes of water vapor rising from its south pole. The plumes reported at hundreds of kilometers high carry organic compounds, hydrogen, and salt, suggesting hydrothermal activity deep within.
Tired of too many ads? go ad free now
Then there's Ganymede (another Jupiter moon), Callisto, Titan, and even dwarf planet Ceres, all thought to have or at least to have had liquid reservoirs. Altogether, NASA now recognizes over a dozen ocean worlds in our solar system alone.
Mars: The desert planet with a mysterious past
Mars, the Red Planet, is now a dry and dusty world, but it wasn't always. Ancient lakebeds and riverbeds, as well as polar ice caps, indicate a watery past. A 2018 radar survey indicated that liquid water could still be present beneath the ice cap at the South Pole, buried beneath ice and rock.
While only about 0.03% of all Earth's water is still visible on Mars today, the hunt goes on for underground aquifers with possibly still-existent microbial life.
Did you know there is water outside the solar system?
NASA's space telescopes have ventured well outside our solar neighborhood in the search for water. By analyzing spectra, scientists have identified water vapor in the atmospheres of over 10 exoplanets. Some are in the "Goldilocks Zone," where conditions may be suitable for water to exist in a liquid state on the surface, opening up the intriguing possibility of habitable alien planets.
The James Webb Space Telescope will exponentially increase our capability to research such worlds, enabling scientists to scan atmospheric composition and even discern signs of biological processes if they're present.
Water is not merely a molecule; it's the universal solvent that can accommodate advanced chemistry and harbor life. NASA's plan is basic but profound: "Follow the water." Wherever liquid water exists, whether under a shell of ice, in a crater, or churning in extraterrestrial clouds, it becomes the top priority in the quest for life.
Missions such as Europa Clipper, which will launch in 2024, and Dragonfly, bound for Titan during the 2030s, are intended to explore these ocean worlds like never before. Equipment will take magnetometer readings, scan surface chemistry, and even try to fly through water plumes to sample them.
In all, NASA has recognized at least 15 bodies in our solar system with evidence of water in some way. The number will likely increase as exploration continues.
The universe, once conceived as arid and unfriendly, now seems full of the building blocks of life.
The existence of water in the solar system and elsewhere is no longer speculation; it's a scientific fact. From the ancient Martian lakes to icy moons filled with vapor, water defines planetary geography and the course of space exploration. As NASA's Ocean Worlds program demonstrates, the quest for water is a quest for ourselves, for life in the universe, and for a deeper understanding of our place in it.
Disclaimer: This article is drafted on the basis of information sourced from NASA's official website
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Hindustan Times
X-Class solar flare triggers radio blackout across the US. See map
A powerful X-class solar flare from the Sun disrupted radio communications across large parts of the Pacific and the United States on Thursday, June 19, stated a Newsweek report. Captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory, the flare was recorded at 11:50 pm UTC. Classified as an X1.9 solar flare, the blast ranked among the most extreme solar phenomena. An extreme solar flare caused radio signal blackouts across the United States. See map The intense ultraviolet radiation from the flare caused a shortwave radio blackout affecting frequencies below 25 Megahertz (MHz). The blackout was most noticeable across the Pacific Ocean, with amateur radio operators in Hawaii and coastal areas particularly impacted. Map shows radio signal blackout caused by X-class solar flare(NOAA) Solar flare follows earlier June 15 event Solar flares are violent bursts of energy on the Sun's surface, capable of releasing as much power as a billion hydrogen bombs, NASA stated. Flares are rated by intensity with X-class representing the highest category. These can trigger planet-wide communication disruptions and long-lasting radiation storms. The Newsweek report stated that the X1.9 event followed an earlier M-class flare on June 15, which temporarily knocked out radio signals across North America at lower frequencies. Unlike the previous M8.3 flare, the one recorded on Thursday did not eject a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME), a massive plasma and magnetic burst, into space. However, scientists at NOAA's Space Weather Prediction Center warned that the explosion likely destabilized a large magnetic filament in the Sun's southern hemisphere. Also read: NASA astronauts make 'space sushi' aboard the ISS to cheer up sushi-craving crewmate Eruption may lead to rare aurora sightings at lower latitudes The filament is currently erupting and may trigger a CME, which could reach Earth in the coming days and spark geomagnetic storms. These storms could disrupt satellites and power grids, but also produce brilliant auroras, sometimes visible far beyond their usual polar range. NOAA explained that if a CME arrived at Earth, it could generate strong geomagnetic storms, leading to some of the brightest auroras extending toward lower latitudes. Last year, per the report, similar conditions led to sightings of the aurora borealis as far south as Japan. Auroras arise from charged particles from the Sun colliding with our atmosphere. This process causes atoms and molecules in the atmosphere to become excited; when these excited particles return to their lower energy states, they release this energy as visible light, creating the striking color associated with the northern lights. With solar activity on the rise in the peak of the current solar cycle, we will likely see more solar activity in the next several months. FAQs What caused the June 19 radio blackout? An X1.9-class solar flare from the Sun released intense ultraviolet radiation, disrupting shortwave radio signals, especially across the Pacific. Which areas were affected? The Pacific Ocean region, including parts of the United States and Hawaii, experienced signal disruptions on frequencies below 25 MHz. What is an X-class solar flare? X-class flares are the most intense category of solar flares, capable of causing global radio blackouts and radiation storms. Could this affect power grids or GPS? If a CME reaches Earth, it could cause geomagnetic storms that might impact satellites, GPS, and even power infrastructure.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
10 Indian-origin people who have been part of NASA and its programmes
Image credit: X As India's space program grows stronger with ISRO 's steady achievements, Indians and people of Indian-origin are also making their mark at NASA . From flying missions to leading important research in orbit and on Earth, they have played key roles in many of NASA's major projects. Here's a look at 10 Indian and Indian-origin professionals who have helped shape NASA's success. Kalpana Chawla Kalpana Chawla, an astronaut at NASA, made history in 1997 as the first woman of Indian origin to travel to space. She flew on the Space Shuttle Columbia (STS-87) and again on its final mission (STS-107) in 2003, when the shuttle tragically broke apart during re-entry. Even after her heartbreaking loss, Chawla's legacy continues to inspire students across India and around the world. Sunita Williams Sunita (Suni) L. Williams is a NASA astronaut and U.S. Navy officer of Indian-Slovenian origin who has had a remarkable career in space. Picked by NASA in 1998, she has flown on three missions– Expeditions 14/15, 32/33, and 71/72– and spent 608 days in space. She also holds the record for most spacewalk time by a female astronaut at 62 hours and 6 minutes. In June 2024, she led Boeing's Starliner crewed test flight and, after some technical issues, stayed on the International Space Station before returning home on SpaceX's Crew-9 Dragon in March 2025. Dr. Sharmila Bhattacharya Dr. Bhattacharya, a senior researcher at NASA's Ames Research Centre, is a leading scientist who heads the Space Biosciences division. Her work explores how spaceflight impacts biological systems, particularly immune responses and the effects of radiation, providing critical insights for long-duration human missions. Manisha Ganeshan Dr. Ganeshan studies the planetary boundary layer (PBL) in polar regions using satellite and on-site data. With 10 years of experience using GNSS RO satellites, she provides important data that NASA relies on. Named a Fellow of the International Arctic Science Committee (IASC) in 2017, she also works with NASA Goddard's Global Modeling and Data Assimilation office to improve GEOS models and help predict Polar Lows and tropical cyclones. Swarupa Nune With a background in visual storytelling, Swarupa Nune is a video producer at NASA Goddard who brings climate science and space exploration to life. She has created multimedia features and unique projects, including orchestral collaborations that pair NASA satellite imagery with classical music, helping audiences connect with complex science in creative, engaging ways. Mamta Patel Nagaraja Mamta's career at NASA bridges technical expertise and public outreach. Now serving as Associate Chief Scientist for Exploration and Applied Research at NASA Headquarters, she began her career as an engineer, supporting lunar and planetary missions before moving into leadership and communication roles that help connect NASA's work with a wider audience. Narayanan Ramachandran Ramachandran, a seasoned aerospace engineer at NASA's Marshall Space Flight Centre, supports Jacobs Technology and plays a key role in the Space Launch System (SLS), with a particular focus on diffuser velocity testing for engine systems. Raja Chari Born to an Indian father and raised in Iowa, Raja Chari is an astronaut at NASA who was selected in 2017. In 2021–22, he commanded SpaceX Crew-3 and spent over 170 days aboard the ISS, and he's also part of NASA's Artemis Team, training for future Moon missions. Dr. Kamlesh Lulla Dr. Lulla is a veteran Earth scientist at NASA Johnson Space Centre who has built a long career as Chief Scientist for Earth Observations. Known for his expertise in remote sensing, he has advanced space-based land-use research and helped shape tools for disaster management and environmental monitoring. Dr. Ashwin Vasavada Dr. Vasavada is a planetary scientist at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Project Scientist for the Curiosity Mars Rover. He has led key operations studying Mars' climate and geology, helping scientists better understand the planet's history and its potential to have supported life in the past.
Time of India
8 hours ago
- Time of India
5 most unique asteroid facts that one should know
When we think of space, usually planets, stars, or black holes steal the spotlight. But asteroids, which also form a crucial part, are as interesting and full of mysteries that are yet to be studied fully by science. In recent decades, missions like NASA's OSIRIS-REx and Japan's Hayabusa have brought back samples, helping us understand these space rocks better than ever. But despite all we've learned, there are still many surprising things about them that most people don't know. Here are five of the most unique and mind-blowing facts about asteroids The Tunguska event shows their destructive power On June 30, 1908, a massive explosion over Siberia flattened 2,000 square kilometers of forest, yet left no visible crater. Known as the Tunguska event, it's believed to have been caused by an asteroid or comet fragment exploding in the atmosphere. Had it struck a populated area, the devastation would have been catastrophic. This incident is one of the important reasons behind the founding of Asteroid Day. Representative Image Asteroids were once called planets When the first few asteroids, Ceres, Pallas, Juno, and Vesta, were discovered in the early 1800s, astronomers actually classified them as planets. They orbited the Sun just like the others, so the logic made sense at the time. But as more and more of these objects were found between Mars and Jupiter, it became clear they belonged to a unique category. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo By the mid-19th century, the term 'asteroid' became the norm. Interestingly, Ceres had some exceptional traits that is why it was reclassified as a dwarf planet in 2006. Most asteroids live between two planets Today, over a million asteroids have been identified, and the majority of them orbit the Sun in the space between Mars and Jupiter. This region is known as the Main Asteroid Belt. However, asteroids aren't limited to just that area. Some travel near Earth, others remain at Jupiter's Lagrange points, and these asteroids are referred to as Trojan asteroids. A few asteroids even orbit closer to the Sun than Venus. Despite their small size, they're everywhere, and scientists are discovering more with new missions. They are not remains of a broken planet A popular myth suggests the asteroid belt was once a planet that broke apart. But in reality, the total mass of all asteroids in the belt is only about 4% of our Moon. That's not nearly enough to make up a planet. Instead, scientists believe these rocks are leftover building blocks from the early solar system. Due to the powerful gravity of Jupiter, these bits and pieces never formed into a full planet and have been drifting in space ever since. Some asteroids grow tails like comets While comets are known for their glowing tails, some asteroids in the Main Belt have been spotted doing the same. These strange 'active asteroids' occasionally release dust and gas, creating a comet-like appearance. Scientists think this may happen because they contain water ice, which evaporates when exposed to sunlight. In some cases, these could actually be ancient comets that have lost most of their icy material. Either way, they blur the line between two very different types of space objects.
