NASA has revealed a stunning close up shot of Jupiter’s frozen moon showing the most detail we’ve ever seen.
The shot exposes the icy surface of moon Europa, where scientists believe alien life might exist.
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It’s the highest resolution that the ocean-bearing moon has been snapped in, providing plenty for experts to study.
The image captures a “puzzling region” of about 93 miles by 125 miles.
You can easily make out a network of fine grooves and double ridges.
The pairs of long parallel lines are actually elevated features in the ice.
Nasa also says the dark stains may be caused by something from below erupting onto the surface.
And the white dots are signatures of high-energy particles from the severe radiation around the moon.
The image was caught my the space agency’s Juno spacecraft, which was sent to study Jupiter more than ten years ago.
It was launched in August 2011, but didn’t get to Jupiter’s orbit until July 2016.
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“This image is unlocking an incredible level of detail in a region not previously imaged at such resolution and under such revealing illumination conditions,” said Heidi Becker, the lead co-investigator for the Juno’s Stellar Reference Unit, the star camera responsible for the picture.
“The team’s use of a star-tracker camera for science is a great example of Juno’s groundbreaking capabilities.
“These features are so intriguing.
“Understanding how they formed – and how they connect to Europa’s history – informs us about internal and external processes shaping the icy crust.”
It comes days after Nasa released another batch of photos of Europa.
The moon is thought to have an ocean flowing beneath its thick frozen crust, raising the possibility of underwater life.
The latest observations will help Nasa plan for its Europa Clipper mission.
That’s due to launch from Cape Canaveral in Florida in 2024 and arrive at the Jovian system in 2030.
The European Space Agency also plans close encounters with its Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer, or Juice, lifting off next year.
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