In man’s search for extraterrestrial life, there are two locations that scientists tend to focus on: our immediate neighbor, Mars, and Europa, a moon of Jupiter.
Though we are only in the early stages of Martian exploration, scientists have been very quick to shout their findings. It seemed that every foot travelled and every sample taken by the Mars Rover was televised or a press conference was held by NASA.
As for Europa, scientists believe Europa is a strong contender for life; however, NASA seems to be a little reluctant to go there and find out. Leaving many to wonder, if there is life on Europa – why does NASA want to hide it?
Europa was discovered in 1610 by Galileo Galilei.(1) Exploration of the Jovian moon began in the 1970s with the Pioneer and Voyager missions. These were only fly-by missions, but provided proof that Europa was a watery and icy planet.