Further direction from NASA has been given to develop a new mission to reach Pluto before 2020. Using data from the Voyager and Galileo spacecraft, scientists at the University of Arizona have created a computer model that may explain the formation of arc-shaped ridges on Europa. The U of A scientists believe their explanation to be the most convincing argument yet for the existence of a liquid water ocean lying beneath the surface of Europa. Circumstantial evidence for water on Europa mounts as JPL scientists try an ingenious experiment to find hexagonal water-ice crystals on the frigid surface of Jupiter's iciest moon.
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The Europa Orbiter Instrument Definition Team Report is now online. The hunt is on for at least 40 additional science educators to share the thrill of solar system exploration with America's communities through the Jet Propulsion Laboratory's Solar System Ambassador Program. The new recruits will help introduce the public to JPL's present and future missions to explore our solar system neighborhood. These missions include Cassini en route to Saturn, Galileo currently orbiting Jupiter, Stardust on its way to a comet rendezvous, as well as Europa Orbiter, Pluto-Kuiper Express, Solar Probe , Genesis, Ulysses, Voyager, and the Deep Space Network. It's helpful, but not essential, for applicants to have a formal or informal science or teaching background.