This colossal plume is believed to contain the chemical ingredients necessary for life!
l that some of these gases may have been generated by life itself, emanating from the depths beneath Enceladus' surface.
The presence of water further strengthens the case for potential life on this intriguing moon. Enceladus is completely covered in a thick layer of water ice, but measurements of its rotation indicate the existence of a vast ocean hidden beneath the frozen crust. Scientists believe that the sprays of water detected by JWST and Cassini originate from hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, a hypothesis supported by the presence of silica, a common component of planetary crusts, in the vapor plumes.
In light of these groundbreaking discoveries, NASA scientists are actively discussing future missions to explore the possibility of life on Enceladus. One proposed mission, the Enceladus Orbilander, involves orbiting the moon for approximately six months, flying through its watery plumes, and collecting samples. The spacecraft would then become a lander, descending onto the icy moon's surface.
Equipped with state-of-the-art instruments to weigh and analyze molecules, a DNA sequencer, a microscope, cameras, radio sounders, and lasers to scan the moon's surface remotely, the Enceladus Orbilander promises to unveil even more secrets, as
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Webb Space Telescope Detects 6000-Mile Water Plume Jetting From Saturn’s Moon EnceladusInteraction between moon’s plumes and Saturn’s ring system explored with Webb Enceladus—a tiny, icy moon of Saturn—is one of the most intriguing objects in the search for signs of life beyond our own planet. Under a crust of ice lies a global ocean of salty water. Jets, supplied by that ocean, g
Read more »
Webb Telescope Spots a Plume of Unusual Size Spewing From Saturn's Moon EnceladusThe $10 billion space observatory is investigating ancient light as well as nearby moons.
Read more »
Giant plume spotted erupting from moon of Saturn might contain ingredients for lifeNASA’s JWST space telescope has observed a 10,000-kilometer-long plume of water vapor jetting into space from Saturn’s moon Enceladus—the largest spray ever detected from the icy world.
Read more »
Don’t Do Coke in the BathroomAnd other party tips from Run the World star Bresha Webb.
Read more »
China plans to land astronauts on moon before 2030, expand space station, bring on foreign partnersOfficials with China's burgeoning space program say they plan to place astronauts on the moon before 2030 and expand their space station. Monday's announcement comes amid against the background of a rivalry with the U.S. for reaching new milestones in outer space that reflects their competition for influence on global events. The U.S. aims to put astronauts back on the lunar surface by the end of 2025. The deputy director of China's space agency confirmed the twin objectives at a news conference but gave no specific dates. The agency also introduced three astronauts who will head to the country's space station in a launch scheduled Tuesday. They'll replace a crew that's been on the orbiting station for six months.
Read more »
Watch China launch Shenzhou 16 astronauts to Tiangong space station tonightLiftoff of the three-man Shenzhou 16 mission is set for 9:31 p.m. EDT (0231 GMT on May 30). It's China's fifth crew to Tiangong.
Read more »