Salts and organic compounds found on Jupiter's largest moon

NASA's Juno probe found salts and organic compounds on the surface of Ganymede, Jupiter's largest moon.

Scientists analyzed data collected by the probe during its approach to the icy moon in 2021. AND discovered among others, sodium chloride hydrate, ammonium chloride, sodium bicarbonate and possibly even organic compounds known as aliphatic aldehydes.

These may be the remains of an ocean that once was on its surface. Apparently, it is now hidden deep below the surface, researchers believe.

Nearby Jupiter has such a strong magnetic field that organic compounds and salts on the surface of its moons should be difficult to survive. However, the region around Ganymede's equator appears to be fairly protected from electrons and heavy ions emanating from the giant planet's magnetic field. Thanks to this, these connections should be and are maintained.

Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system. Its width is 5,268 kilometers. That is, it is larger than Mercury. Researchers have long assumed that beneath its icy crust lies an ocean of liquid water.