Space

two nights ago, i watched "aliens of the deep", directed by james cameron. the documentary explored the deepest depths of the ocean (you know, where the hydrothermal vents exist?) and provided glimpses of the incredible creatures (like those worms) that live down there. however, i thought the most interesting discussions in the film were those related to the comparison between underwater and space exploration. you might remember from one of my earlier entries, that i'm kind of a space dork. so, my fascination with this topic shouldn't be a surprise.

anyway, one of the scientists featured in the documentary was an astrobiologist, kevin hand, from the search for extraterrestrial intelligence (SETI) institute. he described, briefly, possible future missions to europa, one of jupiter's moons. the surface of europa is ice, ranging in depths of 20 to 100 kilometers, but the hope is that below the surface is an ocean containing life. the concept is pretty amazing and i spent a majority of yesterday reading more about the seti institute and europa. and you can, too. here and here. kind of makes looking for aliens cool, doesn't it?