Europa

March 8, 2054

The samples from the first site could not be more discouraging. Not only were none of the key chemicals for life present in the sample, but the sample was not water at all; rather, it was liquid methane. If it turns out that the oceans of Europa turn out to be a sea of methane, then this entire trip has been for nothing.

Some scientists speculate that life does not necessarily need water to survive, and rather could use different chemical reactions to methane to support life. It is a very interesting topic when it comes to the reality of life and what constitutes life. It is also completely irrelevant to Europa. If we were looking for methane-based life, we are on the wrong moon. Scientists speculate the best potential place in the solar system to search for Methane based life is the moon Titan of Saturn, as it has hydrogen, methane, and nitrogen in its atmosphere. As Europa does not have an atmosphere this form of life is impossible here.

I almost freaked out when I first saw these results, but I have convinced myself that this sample cannot possibly be from Europa's Ocean. Europa having a methane ocean would go against all the research I have ever done. It would also make no sense; the surface of the planet was primarily frozen water with liquid methane beneath. Rather it is possible there are small pockets of methane near some of the mouths where the plumes erupt from. That had to be where this sample came from.

Hope that is the case and I am not just bargaining with myself. I've put too much on the line for this mission; it can't be over so soon.

I've requested for Lee to move the rover closer to the mouth where the plumes burst from to get a second sample. He seems concerned for the rover, emphasizing we will lose it if a plume erupts. There has to be a way to get a better sample. I will not be at ease until I am certain the ocean beneath us is water.