Abstract EANA2024-105

Exploring the Prebiotic Chemistry of Europa
A.H.Corrigan∗, P.A.Hailey, N.J.Mason
∗Email: ac884@kent.ac.uk
Centre for Astrophysics & Planetary Science, School of Physical Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury CT2 7NH, UK

1 Abstract
Europa is one of the celestial bodies within our solar system that has the highest potential of harbouring life. I will discuss a method which will be used to help determine the survivability of life on Europa and whether or not Europa has the appropriate chemistry necessary for life. Through subjecting a Europan ocean analogue to UV, Visible, and ionising radiation, then adopting a ’systems chemistry’ approach, the yield of organic matter, more specifically amino acids, produced will be investigated to determine the prime conditions and chemicals required for life on Europa.

2 Introduction
As the ability to explore complexity and study planets and celestial bodies within our own solar system becomes more feasible, it is increasingly practical to address the age-old question of whether life can, or cannot, exist outside of the Earth. With the forthcoming European Space Agency (ESA) JUpiter ICy moons Explorer (JUICE) mission, the focus on the viability of life has been shifted to the icy moons of Jupiter. The moons of Jupiter (particularly Europa and Ganymede) have high potential for life and have become of particular interest for research in the fields of Astrochemistry and Astrobiology. Specifically for the moon Europa, the appeal lies in whether the moon has the necessary chemistry for life to emerge, [3]. By systematically studying how Europan ocean analogues react with plausible molecules after being irradiated and subject to similar Europan conditions, the likelihood of life emerging on Europa can be quantified. With the potential discovery of organics on the surface and near sub-surface it is increasingly urgent to determine the composition and routes to synthesis of these organics.

3 Method
Samples of formulated Europan ocean analogues will be added to a molecule that has been observed in the
interstellar medium (ISM), [1]. With varying ratios of aqueous solution, salt, and ISM relevant molecule, the
samples are irradiated with UV/Visible light or charged particles using a range of wavelengths (365nm, 425nm,
475-480nm, 650nm, and 6200K lamps) and energies (15keV, 30keV, and 60keV) for periods of time ranging
from a few minutes to a week. Additional experiments have also been performed using the same mixture of
chemicals but instead have been irradiated using VUV, electrons, and ions at different energies. A statistical
experimental design approach will be employed. The resulting residue will be analysed using high-performance
liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LCMS). A ’targeted’ methodology will be employed for the analyses
specifically to determine if the analyte contains amino acids or any trace of amino acids, [2].

4 Results
An initial screening run of this experiment using Martian, Earth, and Moon regolith revealed that the result- ing residue from photolysis (using the 325nm, 650nm, and 6200K lamps) of the Martian and Earth regolith showed trace amounts of simple amino acids. However, due to a lack of sample work-up procedures, including derivitisation, the results were ultimately inconclusive. It is hypothesized that by irradiating the Europan ocean analogues within an aqueous solution, trace amounts of simple amino acids are postulated to form in the resulting residue. This is as a consequence of using the same ISM relevant molecule and chemical similarities between the Martian regolith and what is postulated to be in Europa’s soil/oceans. The implications for Europa to, previously, currently, or subsequently, harbour life will be discussed. Further details and results will be presented at the meeting.

References
[1] Pascale Ehrenfreund and Karl M. Menten. From Molecular Clouds to the Origin of Life, pages 7–23. Springer Berlin Heidelberg, Berlin, Heidelberg, 2002.
[2] Norio Kitadai and Shigenori Maruyama. Origins of building blocks of life: A review. Geoscience Frontiers, 9(4):1117–1153, 2018.
[3] Jere H. Lipps and Sarah Rieboldt. Habitats and taphonomy of europa. Icarus, 177(2):515–527, 2005. Europa Icy Shell.