Scientists believe that if life exists on Saturn’s moon Enceladus or Jupiter’s moon Europa, detectable trace molecules might survive just beneath their icy surfaces.

Both moons are thought to have vast liquid oceans that could harbor life, potentially containing complex organic molecules like amino acids and nucleic acids—key indicators of life.

Although harsh solar radiation could destroy these molecules at the surface, new research suggests they might be preserved within the moons’ icy shells, Space.com has reported.

At Enceladus, biosignatures could be closer to the surface, potentially making them accessible for future robotic landers, whereas on Europa, they might be buried deeper.

Written by B.C. Begley