Electrical Properties of Icy World Oceans from Laboratory Measurements

Many icy bodies in the Solar System are hypothesized to harbor subsurface liquid-water oceans, with Jupiter’s moon Europa among the most promising for astrobiology research. NASA’s Europa Clipper mission will collect magnetic induction measurements to constrain Europa’s ocean composition and thickness.

Interpreting this information requires accurate electrical conductivity data extending to the range of possible compositions, temperatures, and pressures in Europa’s ocean.

Here, we report more comprehensive laboratory measurements of electrical conductivity for Europa-relevant brines (NaCl, MgSO₄, NH₄Cl, Na₂CO₃, and their mixtures) in the temperature range from 263.15–298.15 K and concentrations up to 150 g/kgH₂O, at ambient pressure.

This project provides critical experimental constraints for interpreting upcoming Europa Clipper data and enables stronger assessments of Europa’s ocean composition and its potential to support life.

Astrobiology, Astrogology, Astrochemistry,