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Ever since the beginning of the scientific age, mankind has been fantasizing about the existence of extraterrestrial creatures. The early exploration of extraterrestrial life also focused on some moons or planets close to the earth. For example, in the early years, many scientists fantasized about the existence of intelligent life on planets such as the moon and Mars, and their exploration was also the earliest.
In contrast, the other planets in the solar system and their moons are less remarkable. It is only in recent years that satellites like Europa have begun to attract the attention of scientists.
As the name suggests, Europa is one of Jupiter's moons. Jupiter's massive mass creates a huge gravitational pull, which in turn has a large number of moons. So far, the number of Jupiter moons has reached 92.
So, what makes Europa stand out from such a large group?
Europa's planetary structure is very special. The surface of the planet is covered by a thick ice cap, and the higher the temperature of Europa gets deeper down, resulting in the appearance of a vast ocean of liquid water beneath the planet's ice cap.
Liquid water is one of the most important factors for the possible existence of life on a planet. The presence of water means that hydrogen and oxygen can be obtained more easily, and some organic matter can be used in the marine environment for simple chemical reactions, creating the preconditions for the birth of life.
After discovering the above information, scientists quickly conducted a comprehensive study and exploration of Europa. Don't say it, this time the scientists really gained something.
Just this year, scientists at Liverpool Hope University in the United Kingdom claimed that there are alien creatures beneath Europa's oceans, shaped like Earth's octopuses, and quite numerous.
The remarks immediately caused a stir in the astronomical community, with many celebrating the historic discovery while wondering why it had to be an octopus-like structure instead of a humanoid or fish-like creature.
To answer this question, we have to start with Europa's natural conditions.
First of all, Europa's ocean is located in the interior of the planet, and compared to the Earth's ocean, it has to withstand not only the pressure of deep diving, but also the pressure of the planet's interior. This requires the living creatures to be able to withstand stress.
As we all know, octopuses are mollusks, and their bodies are more flexible than other creatures, and the limits of stress will be greater. An octopus can withstand a maximum of several thousand times the maximum water pressure that the human body can withstand, and it is naturally not difficult to survive in this environment.
In addition, according to the latest research, there is a high probability that hydrothermal springs or submarine volcanoes are present in the parts of Europa's ocean. This extreme environment can be described as "paradise" for mollusks represented by octopuses. This means that the hydrothermal vent is surrounded by food for many mollusks, such as plankton, crabs, sponges, etc.
In fact, despite Europa's natural conditions, octopuses are also "aliens" in the Earth's biosphere, just like extraterrestrial visitors.
According to a 2015 study, the genome of octopuses contains about 33,000 genes, which is not only five to six times more numerous than other invertebrates, but even higher than the number of human genomes. These genomes give octopuses some of their unique abilities. For example, taste, complex reflexes, etc.
In addition to this, octopuses also have a certain intelligence. At the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, the famous "Paul the Octopus" once stunned the world. And the basis for this operation is the well-developed nervous system of the octopus.
It is often said that "an octopus has nine brains", which refers to the octopus's one main brain and its eight tentacles. Two-thirds of the octopus's nerve cells are located in the nerve cords of the tentacles, which display a variety of complex reflex actions that persist even without input from the brain. With this ability, the octopus can realize the wonder of several "brains" operating at the same time.
The octopus on Earth alone is already very powerful, and the "octopus" on Europa is even more powerful in the imagination of scientists. This "octopus" is supposed to be about 100 meters long, and its ability to hunt and think independently is stronger than that of creatures on Earth. Even further, they may have established advanced undersea civilizations.
Of course, most of the above is a scenario proposed by scientists at this stage. To find out what exactly Europa has on the ocean floor, more precise exploration and calculations are needed. At present, NASA has reached a cooperation with Europe and the Russian Space Agency to launch a probe to Europa this year and next year to gain a deeper understanding of Europa.
At that time, perhaps we will be able to truly see the true form of these "extraterrestrial visitors".
Text/Divergent Wind and Snow Dance