I'll continue to believe that this is bioluminescence.
How well does water shield radiation like this? For much of it (electrons, UV photons) a thin film on the surface could be enough protection. A layer of salty ice should be more than sufficient, I would think.
Water shields extremely well. I don't think we'll find living things on the surface, but the oceans are what is exciting, especially possibly hydrothermal vents, which have lots of life on Earth. A surface mission would be looking for signs of life, not life.
I'll continue to believe that this is bioluminescence.
How well does water shield radiation like this? For much of it (electrons, UV photons) a thin film on the surface could be enough protection. A layer of salty ice should be more than sufficient, I would think.