http://www.newsweek.com/life-jupiters-moon-europa-could-exist-just-inch-below-surface-1037279

If traces of life exist on Jupiter’s moon Europa, they might be found less than an inch below its icy surface, according to a study published in the journal Nature Astronomy. The new findings could help to identify landing sites for future missions to the moon.

Europa, which is thought to possess a large ocean of liquid water beneath its crust, is a prime target in the hunt for life outside the Earth. However, the moon’s surface is constantly bombarded by intense radiation from Jupiter, which, over time, would likely have led to the destruction of any organisms living there, or indeed any biological traces of ancient life.