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Multiple Choice
Which of the following moons is most likely to contain liquid water and possibly support life?
A
Io
B
Europa
C
Phobos
D
Titania
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the key characteristics of moons that could potentially support life. Liquid water is a critical factor for life as we know it, so identifying moons with evidence of subsurface oceans or water is essential.
Step 2: Examine the moons listed in the problem: Io, Europa, Phobos, and Titania. Research their geological and environmental features to determine which one has the conditions most favorable for liquid water.
Step 3: Note that Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, is widely studied for its potential to harbor life. Scientists have found strong evidence of a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust, making it a prime candidate for liquid water and possibly life.
Step 4: Compare Europa to the other moons listed. Io is known for its extreme volcanic activity, which makes it unlikely to support liquid water. Phobos, a moon of Mars, is small and lacks the necessary conditions for liquid water. Titania, a moon of Uranus, is icy but lacks evidence of subsurface oceans like Europa.
Step 5: Conclude that Europa is the most likely moon to contain liquid water and possibly support life, based on its subsurface ocean and favorable conditions for habitability.