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Published -
- February 18, 2020
- 12:51 pm
SPACE
Unmanned spacecraft Cassini’s mission is diverted when it captures footage of water erupting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus, suggesting the potential for life.
What makes Enceladus a unique planetary body?
Introduction:
Enceladus, one of Saturn’s smallest moons, has been a topic of fascination for scientists due to its remarkable features, especially its potential for life. NASA’s Unexplained Files explores the mystery surrounding Enceladus and the possibility of extraterrestrial life existing on the moon.
Geology of Enceladus:
Enceladus is a unique planetary body, approximately 310 miles in diameter, and has a smooth surface that’s a mix of ice and rock. The moon’s unique geographic features, including cryovolcanoes, ice geysers, and a sub-surface ocean, have led scientists to speculate that it could harbor life.
Cryovolcanoes and Ice Geysers:
Enceladus’s surface is dotted with cryovolcanoes, which are volcanoes that spew out plumes of water and ice rather than lava. Enceladus has over 100 active cryovolcanoes, and the eruption of the plumes is a crucial element in the ongoing study of the moon’s habitable potential. The discovery of these plumes made it possible for scientists to sample and analyze the ocean’s composition beneath the moon’s surface.
Sub-Surface Ocean:
The existence of a vast ocean beneath Enceladus’s icy surface is incredibly exciting for astrobiologists, as it could be a site for extraterrestrial life. The ocean’s existence was revealed when the Cassini spacecraft measured the moon’s gravitational field during flybys from 2005 to 2017. The data showed that Enceladus had an under-ice ocean about the size of Lake Superior. The ocean’s salinity and pH are considered suitable for microbial life forms.
Potential for Life:
Enceladus is one of the prime targets for the search for extraterrestrial life in our solar system. The moon’s chemical elements, energy, water, and organic molecules required for life have all been detected by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. The ocean sub-surface may contain hydrothermal vents where life could flourish, and scientists speculate that microbes may exist in the ocean’s briny mix of water and organic material.
Conclusion:
Enceladus is one of the most intriguing bodies in our solar system, with its unique features that could support life. NASA’s Unexplained Files explores the captivating mystery surrounding Enceladus and the potential for extraterrestrial life. The moon is a prime target for further exploration, with future missions planned to carry out a more in-depth investigation of its habitable potential. The study of Enceladus could have far-reaching implications for our understanding of the origins and nature of life in our universe.
