Scientists arrive for Deep Sea Challenge

by Krystal Paco

Guam - Several scientists from around the world are coming together to join in on the Deep Sea Challenge. Dr. Kevin Hand of the California Institute of Technology Jet Propulsion Laboratory says the Marianas Trench may resemble the ocean systems he studies in the solar system.

"I'm fascinated with these oceans of the outer solar system," he said. "Let me paint you a portrait of the oceans of the outer solar system - of course, the reason we're here doing what we're doing right is because of this ocean but it turns out there are at least six moons of Jupiter and Saturn and even Neptune covered in ice beneath, which we have reason to believe there are vast liquid water oceans there today."

Part of Hand's job is to study the possibility of life on other planets because water gives room for habitability. Hand will be accompanying director and National Geographic explorer James Cameron.