Enceladus is a dynamic icy moon of Saturn and a leading target for future planetary missions focused on the search for life beyond Earth.
Enceladus
Posted inAstrogeology, Enceladus, Icy Worlds, Press Release
How Enceladus Ejects Particles From Oceans Beneath Its Surface
Although it is relatively small, Enceladus — the sixth largest of Saturn’s 83 moons — has been considered by astronomers to be one of the more compelling bodies in our […]
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Callisto, Enceladus, Europa, Ganymede, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Mimas, Pluto, Press Release, Triton
Spectroscopic Detection of Biosignatures in Natural Ice Samples as a Proxy for Icy Moons
Some of the icy moons of the solar system with a subsurface ocean, such as Europa and Enceladus, are the targets of future space missions that search for potential extraterrestrial […]
Posted inEnceladus, Icy Worlds, Status Report, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
The Icy Ocean World Enceladus
A patchwork network of frozen ridges and troughs cover the face of Enceladus, Saturn’s most enigmatic of icy moons.
Posted inBiochemistry & Organic Chemistry, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Europa, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Microgravity, Status Report
Toward Detecting Biosignatures of DNA, Lipids, and Metabolic Intermediates from Bacteria in Ice Grains Emitted by Enceladus and Europa
The reliable identification of biosignatures is key to the search for life elsewhere.
Posted inEnceladus, Europa, Ganymede, Icy Worlds, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Robotics/Rovers/UAVs, ROVs/Submersibles/Diving, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Sending Signals To Droids Through The Ice On Ocean Worlds
Detection of extraterrestrial life would be an incredible discovery, revolutionizing humanity’s perception of life and providing us insight into how life begins and persists in various environments.
Posted inAway Teams & Field Reports, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Enceladus, Europa, Exploration Gear & Tech, Extremeophiles and Extreme Environments, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Whispers From The Deep Sea: The Subtle Sounds Of Hydrothermal Vents
Deep-sea hydrothermal vents host unique life that survives without sunlight, and they play a significant role in the cycle of heat, water, and chemicals within the ocean.
Posted inAstrochemistry, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Habitable Zones, Icy Worlds, Imaging & Spectroscopy, Status Report
Detection Of HCN And Diverse Redox Chemistry In The Plume Of Enceladus
The Cassini spacecraft discovered that Saturn’s moon Enceladus possesses a series of jets erupting from its South Polar Terrain.
Posted inAstrogeology, Biogeochemical Cycles & Geobiology, Biosignatures & Paleobiology, Enceladus, Europa, Ganymede, Icy Worlds, Mars, Missions & Hardware, Press Release, Water/Hycean Worlds & Oceanography
Enabling Ice Core Science On Mars And Ocean Worlds
Ice deposits on Earth provide an extended record of volcanism, planetary climate, and life.
Posted inEnceladus, Icy Worlds, Missions & Hardware, Press Release
What It Would Take To Discover Life On Enceladus
The mystery of whether microbial alien life might inhabit Enceladus, one of Saturn’s 83 moons, could be solved by an orbiting space probe, according to a new study led by […]