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Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons, has long been considered potentially habitable because of its geysers that spew water vapor and ice into space. Until recently, scientists assumed that these jets came from a subsurface ocean hidden beneath a thick layer of ice. However, a new study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, calls this hypothesis into question.
Astronomers suggest that the source of the water in the geysers may not be the ocean, but rather melted ice in Enceladus' icy shell. This process may be explained by friction of the surface areas, which generates heat, as well as the presence of salts, which lower the melting point of the ice. The result is a soft, mushy mass that facilitates the escape of water vapor through cracks.
Another piece of evidence in favor of this theory is the discovered ratio of gases in the jets, which was recorded by the device. Cassini 20 years ago. In particular, the high hydrogen content may be due to the partial melting of clathrates, crystalline structures in ice that contain gases. Hydrogen is easily released, while heavier gases such as carbon dioxide and methane remain inside.
Despite these findings, the question of whether Enceladus has a subsurface ocean remains open. Scientists believe that a definitive answer will only be possible after new missions can conduct detailed observations of Saturn's moon.
So far, Enceladus remains one of the most interesting objects for the search for extraterrestrial life, even if its water geysers have an unexpected origin.
Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons, has long been considered potentially habitable because of its geysers that spew water vapor and ice into space. Until recently, scientists assumed that these jets came from a subsurface ocean hidden beneath a thick layer of ice. However, a new study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, calls this hypothesis into question.
Astronomers suggest that the source of the water in the geysers may not be the ocean, but rather melted ice in Enceladus' icy shell. This process may be explained by friction of the surface areas, which generates heat, as well as the presence of salts, which lower the melting point of the ice. The result is a soft, mushy mass that facilitates the escape of water vapor through cracks.
Another piece of evidence in favor of this theory is the discovered ratio of gases in the jets, which was recorded by the device. Cassini 20 years ago. In particular, the high hydrogen content may be due to the partial melting of clathrates, crystalline structures in ice that contain gases. Hydrogen is easily released, while heavier gases such as carbon dioxide and methane remain inside.
Despite these findings, the question of whether Enceladus has a subsurface ocean remains open. Scientists believe that a definitive answer will only be possible after new missions can conduct detailed observations of Saturn's moon.
So far, Enceladus remains one of the most interesting objects for the search for extraterrestrial life, even if its water geysers have an unexpected origin.
