High concentrations of phosphorus, an essential element for all biological processes on Earth, have been detected in ice crystals spewed from the interior ocean of Saturn's moon Enceladus, adding to its potential to harbor life, researchers reported on Wednesday.
The discovery was based on data collected by NASA's Cassini spacecraft, the first to orbit Saturn, during its 13-year landmark exploration of the gaseous giant planet, its rings and its moons from 2004 to 2017.
But phosphorus, the least abundant of six chemical elements considered necessary to all living things - the others are carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur - was still missing from the equation until now. The latest study stems from measurements taken by Cassini as it flew through salt-rich ice grains ejected into space from geysers erupting from the subsurface ocean beneath Enceladus' frozen crust at its south pole.
Another is Jupiter's larger moon Europa, which also is believed to harbor a global ocean of liquid water beneath its icy surface.
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.
Saturn’s moon Enceladus could support species similar to Earth | EngadgetSaturn’s moon Enceladus could support species similar to Earth
Read more »
Saturn’s Icy Moon Enceladus Has All the Ingredients Needed to Make Life'Our Cassini-[Cosmic Dust Analyzer] measurements leave no doubt that substantial quantities of this essential substance are present in the ocean water,' Frank Postberg, a planetary scientist at Freie Universitat Berlin who led the new study, said.
Read more »
Discovery shows Saturn's moon Enceladus has everything needed for lifeEnceladus is considered one of the most promising places to search for alien life. Now scientists have detected the last of six necessary ingredients: phosphorous.
Read more »
An Element Critical for (Earth) Life is Spewing out of EnceladusScientists examining Cassini data find evidence of phosphorus in the icy subsurface ocean in Saturn's moon Enceladus.
Read more »
A Moon of Saturn Has All the Ingredients Needed for LifeA salty ocean hidden under the icy shell of a tiny moon orbiting Saturn has all the key building blocks of life, suggesting the world is habitable, according to new research
Read more »
Saturn's moon Enceladus has all the ingredients for life in its icy oceans. But is life there?Enceladus has it all, new study reveals!
Read more »