Research team names alien ice form on Jupiter's moon

IRISH scientists have named a spider-like feature on Jupiter's icy moon Europa as "Damhán Alla", which translates to "spider" or "wall demon". First observed by NASA's Galileo spacecraft, a study explored how the feature may have formed from briny water eruptions beneath the ice, offering clues about subsurface liquid water and the potential for life. The scientists are led by University of Central Florida physics Professor Lauren McKeown and Dr Jennifer Scully, both formerly of Trinity College Dublin.

- BY DANNY DE VAAL

VALUABLE

The researchers, who have published their findings in The Planetary Science Journal, hope to gain valuable insights into how this enigmatic icy feature formed, which could have implications for future missions on Europa.