Daily Current Affairs :3-April-2024

A recent study by an international team, including researchers from India’s PRL Ahmedabad, has revealed exciting news: they found evidence of ozone on Jupiter’s moon Callisto. This discovery opens up new possibilities for understanding the complex chemical processes occurring on icy celestial bodies.

Understanding the Findings

The research focused on the chemical changes that happen to sulphur dioxide ice when it is exposed to ultraviolet light. Here’s a brief overview of the key points:

  • Ultraviolet Irradiation: The study showed how ultraviolet light affects sulphur dioxide ice. This radiation can lead to the formation of ozone.
  • Chemical Evolution: The process described indicates that chemical reactions occur in the icy environment of Callisto, suggesting dynamic activity beneath its surface.

Implications for Habitability

The presence of ozone on Callisto is significant for several reasons:

  • Stable Atmosphere: Ozone indicates that there are stable atmospheric conditions on the moon. This stability is essential for the possibility of life.
  • Potential for Life: Scientists believe that the right conditions could allow for the existence of life forms, even in such harsh environments.

Broader Insights

This discovery raises important questions about Callisto and other icy moons in our Solar System. It invites further investigation into:

  • Habitability of Icy Moons: How many other moons might have similar conditions?
  • Chemical Processes: What other chemical reactions occur on these moons, and how do they contribute to our understanding of their environments?

Important Points:

Discovery: Evidence of ozone found on Jupiter’s moon Callisto by an international research team.

Research Focus: Study of the chemical evolution of sulphur dioxide ice under ultraviolet light.

Key Process: Ultraviolet irradiation leads to the formation of ozone from sulphur dioxide ice.

Stable Atmosphere: Presence of ozone indicates stable atmospheric conditions on Callisto.

Habitability Potential: Stable conditions raise possibilities for hosting life on Callisto.

Broader Implications:

  • Questions about the habitability of other icy moons in the Solar System.
  • Exploration of additional chemical processes occurring in these environments.

Significance: Enhances understanding of the dynamics of icy celestial bodies and their potential for life.

Why In News

An international team, including researchers from India’s PRL Ahmedabad, has discovered evidence of ozone on Jupiter’s moon Callisto, indicating complex chemical processes on icy celestial bodies and suggesting that these environments may harbor conditions suitable for life.

MCQs about Ozone Discovery on Callisto

  1. What significant discovery was made by the international research team regarding Callisto?
    A. Evidence of water
    B. Evidence of ozone
    C. Evidence of volcanic activity
    D. Evidence of organic life
    Correct Answer: B. Evidence of ozone
    Explanation: The research team discovered ozone on Jupiter’s moon Callisto, indicating complex chemical processes.
  2. What is the primary focus of the study conducted by the researchers?
    A. The physical structure of Callisto
    B. The chemical evolution of sulphur dioxide ice
    C. The potential for human colonization
    D. The history of Jupiter’s moons
    Correct Answer: B. The chemical evolution of sulphur dioxide ice
    Explanation: The study concentrated on how sulphur dioxide ice changes under ultraviolet light, leading to ozone formation.
  3. What does the presence of ozone on Callisto suggest about its atmospheric conditions?
    A. They are unstable and chaotic
    B. They are conducive to extreme temperatures
    C. They are stable and may support life
    D. They are completely inhospitable
    Correct Answer: C. They are stable and may support life
    Explanation: The presence of ozone indicates stable atmospheric conditions, which raises the possibility of hosting life.
  4. What broader implications does this discovery raise for scientists?
    A. The need to explore more asteroids
    B. The habitability of other icy moons in the Solar System
    C. The classification of Jupiter as a gas giant
    D. The study of meteor impacts on moons
    Correct Answer: B. The habitability of other icy moons in the Solar System
    Explanation: This discovery prompts scientists to consider the potential for life and chemical processes on other icy moons, not just Callisto.

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