Scientists simulate icy moon volcanoes that could reveal alien life

Scientists from the University of Sheffield, the Open University, and the Czech Academy of Sciences have successfully simulated the extreme conditions of cryovolcanic activity on icy moons such as Europa and Enceladus. Using a specialized low-pressure chamber called the Large Dirty Mars Chamber, they recreated near-vacuum environments where water simultaneously boils and freezes, mimicking the geologic processes that reshape these moons. Their experiments revealed that under low pressure, water forms a thin ice layer while continuing to boil underneath, allowing liquid to escape through cracks—contradicting previous assumptions that a thick ice crust would seal off the water. This new understanding of water behavior under cryovolcanic conditions provides insights into effusive cryovolcanism, a process difficult to observe astronomically but crucial for interpreting surface changes on icy moons. The findings, published in Earth and Planetary Sciences Letters, could help scientists identify ancient signs of cryovolcanic activity on these moons and other celestial bodies. Such markers may guide future exploration