New research has revealed that side-to-side sliding motion along distinctive “tiger stripes” on Saturn’s moon Enceladus is linked to jets of ice crystals erupting from its icy crust. The findings could help determine the properties of this icy moon in Saturn’s subsurface ocean and therefore whether Enceladus is habitable. Enceladus’ tiger stripes consist of four… Read More »
Europa may be headed to Saturn’s moon Enceladus to search for life, according to a new report from planetary scientists planning a future large-class mission to the outer solar system. European Space Agency (ESA) is showing significant foresight with its “Voyager 2050” program, which describes scientific goals and missions for the middle of this century.… Read More »
Astronomers have discovered that Saturn’s small moon called Mimas may harbor a liquid ocean hidden beneath its thick icy crust and therefore have habitable conditions. This shocking finding radically changes the definition of what an ocean moon could be and could ultimately redefine our search for alien life on moons in the solar system. That’s… Read More »
New research suggests there are places on the surface of Saturn’s moon Enceladus where spacecraft could land to collect intact traces of the basic ingredients needed for life. These biosignatures are believed to come from underground oceans in the Earth’s icy crust. Enceladus It has long been known that underground oceans contain organic molecules (compounds… Read More »