Saturn's moon continues to surprise scientists.
Analysis of data collected by NASA's Cassini spacecraft has revealed complex organic molecules in the subsurface ocean of Saturn's moon Enceladus. This is an important step in assessing the possibility of life beyond Earth, reports Reuters.
Researchers have discovered new classes of organic compounds in the icy plumes that Enceladus ejects into space from fractures at its south pole. These molecules are viewed as intermediate links in the synthesis of more complex compounds.
"We have compelling evidence that all three cornerstones of habitability—liquid water, a source of energy, and necessary organics—are present on Enceladus," noted one of the authors of the study published this week in the journal Nature Astronomy. At the same time, scientists emphasize that this does not constitute direct evidence of life.
The findings strengthen interest in future missions. The European Space Agency considers Enceladus one of the main targets for the search for life and plans a mission for its detailed study around 2042.
Meanwhile, the surface of Enceladus is colder than that of other Saturnian moons: the average temperature is −200 °C. Such low temperatures are due to an extremely high albedo of 90%. At such low temperatures, no known forms of life could survive on its surface.
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