From moons with chaotic orbits to those with extreme geological features, these celestial bodies offer a glimpse into the diverse and often bizarre nature of our cosmic neighbourhood.

The Solar system’s 6 weirdest moons: Facts that will blow your mind

Saturn's small icy moons, Enceladus, measuring only about 300 miles (500 kilometers) across, have become a focal point for scientists to hunt for life beyond Earth. Despite its small size, it releases huge plumes of water vapour, ice particles and organic compounds from cracks near its south pole, which have been viewed as hints of a hidden ocean that could host life.&nbsp;Surprisingly, new research unveiled at a planetary science gathering in Finland presents another possibility where researchers argued that several organic compounds previously detected in the plums could actually originate on the frozen surface of the moon, driven by relentless radiation from the magnetic field of Saturn, according to a report in Space.com.&nbsp;The results raise doubts about whether these wings truly signal alien life or are merely the echoes of lifeless chemicals on a frozen shell. "Although this doesn't rule out the possibility that Enceladus' ocean may be habitable, it does mean we need to be cautious in making that assumption just because of the composition of the plumes," study lead Grace Richards of Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics said in a statement.<h3>How did scientists find the possibility of life on Saturn's moon?</h3>Richards and her colleagues regenerated the environment on Enceladus in miniature inside a specialised laboratory in Hungary for their experiment. Using an ice chamber, the team froze a mixture of water, carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia to a bone-chilling temperature of -420 degrees Fahrenheit (-253 degrees Celsius), similar to the cold conditions near the moon's surface. Then, the ices were bombarded with high-energy "water-group ions," similar charged particles which are found on Saturn that constantly irradiate Enceladus.&nbsp;To study the chemical transformations caused by radiation, scientists employed infrared spectroscopy to track the unique molecular "fingerprints," or spectra, of the icy samples. As radiation interacted with the material, shifts in the spectra indicated the creation of new compounds. Across all five experiments, the irradiated ices generated carbon monoxide, cyanate, and ammonium, the same molecules identified in the plumes of Saturn’s moon Enceladus by NASA’s Cassini mission in 2005.&nbsp;When the samples were gradually warmed, more complex organic molecules emerged. These include carbamic acid, ammonium carbamate and potential amino acid precursors such as methanol and ethanol, as well as molecules like acetylene, acetaldehyde and formamide, known as fundamental ingredients for prebiotic chemistry, also formed, highlighting their potential role in supporting the chemical basis of life.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/doctors-in-china-successfully-implant-pig-s-lung-into-a-human-in-historic-first-1758439298137">Doctors in China successfully implant Pig’s lung into a human in historic first</a>&nbsp;"Although many of these products have not previously been detected on Enceladus' surface, some have been detected in Enceladus' plumes," Richards and her colleagues wrote in the paper. This leads to "questions about whether plume material is formed within the radiation-rich space environment or whether it originates in the subsurface ocean," study lead Grace Richards of Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics also said in a statement.&nbsp;NASA's Cassini mission, which ended with a dramatic plunge into the atmosphere of Saturn in 2017, gave its first and only direct "taste" of Enceladus' geysers for humankind. The instruments onboard the spacecraft, however, were not equipped to differentiate between molecules that may have originated in the moon’s deep ocean and those that could have formed within its icy crust.&nbsp;In parallel, China is developing a multi-phase mission plan featuring an orbiter, a lander, and a drilling robot capable of penetrating the surface to access the subsurface ocean. The aim is to directly investigate for possible biosignatures.

NASA's Cassini mission, which ended with a dramatic plunge into the atmosphere of Saturn in 2017, gave its first and only direct "taste" of Enceladus' geysers to researchers.

Saturn's small icy moons, Enceladus, measuring only about 300 miles (500 kilometers) across, have become a focal point for scientists to hunt for life beyond Earth. Despite its small size, it releases huge plumes of water vapour, ice particles and organic compounds from cracks near its south pole, which have been viewed as hints of a hidden ocean that could host life. Surprisingly, new research unveiled at a planetary science gathering in Finland presents another possibility where researchers argued that several organic compounds previously detected in the plums could actually originate on the frozen surface of the moon, driven by relentless radiation from the magnetic field of Saturn, according to a report in Space.com. The results raise doubts about whether these wings truly signal alien life or are merely the echoes of lifeless chemicals on a frozen shell. "Although this doesn't rule out the possibility that Enceladus' ocean may be habitable, it does mean we need to be cautious in making that assumption just because of the composition of the plumes," study lead Grace Richards of Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics said in a statement. How did scientists find the possibility of life on Saturn's moon? Richards and her colleagues regenerated the environment on Enceladus in miniature inside a specialised laboratory in Hungary for their experiment. Using an ice chamber, the team froze a mixture of water, carbon dioxide, methane and ammonia to a bone-chilling temperature of -420 degrees Fahrenheit (-253 degrees Celsius), similar to the cold conditions near the moon's surface. Then, the ices were bombarded with high-energy "water-group ions," similar charged particles which are found on Saturn that constantly irradiate Enceladus. To study the chemical transformations caused by radiation, scientists employed infrared spectroscopy to track the unique molecular "fingerprints," or spectra, of the icy samples. As radiation interacted with the material, shifts in the spectra indicated the creation of new compounds. Across all five experiments, the irradiated ices generated carbon monoxide, cyanate, and ammonium, the same molecules identified in the plumes of Saturn’s moon Enceladus by NASA’s Cassini mission in 2005. When the samples were gradually warmed, more complex organic molecules emerged. These include carbamic acid, ammonium carbamate and potential amino acid precursors such as methanol and ethanol, as well as molecules like acetylene, acetaldehyde and formamide, known as fundamental ingredients for prebiotic chemistry, also formed, highlighting their potential role in supporting the chemical basis of life. Also read: Doctors in China successfully implant Pig’s lung into a human in historic first "Although many of these products have not previously been detected on Enceladus' surface, some have been detected in Enceladus' plumes," Richards and her colleagues wrote in the paper. This leads to "questions about whether plume material is formed within the radiation-rich space environment or whether it originates in the subsurface ocean," study lead Grace Richards of Italy's National Institute for Astrophysics also said in a statement. NASA's Cassini mission, which ended with a dramatic plunge into the atmosphere of Saturn in 2017, gave its first and only direct "taste" of Enceladus' geysers for humankind. The instruments onboard the spacecraft, however, were not equipped to differentiate between molecules that may have originated in the moon’s deep ocean and those that could have formed within its icy crust. In parallel, China is developing a multi-phase mission plan featuring an orbiter, a lander, and a drilling robot capable of penetrating the surface to access the subsurface ocean. The aim is to directly investigate for possible biosignatures.

NASA's Cassini mission, which ended with a dramatic plunge into the atmosphere of Saturn in 2017, gave its first and only direct "taste" of Enceladus' geysers to researchers.

Is there life on 'Enceladus'? New study questions 'Alien' hints on Saturn’s moon

In the latest research, scientists have found that the distinctive "tiger stripes" as well as the sliding side-by-side motion of Saturn's moon Enceladus are related to jets of ice crystals which erupt from its icy shell.

In the latest research, scientists have found that the distinctive "tiger stripes" as well as the sliding side-by-side motion of Saturn's moon Enceladus are related to jets of ice crystals which erupt from its icy shell. The new findings will help scientists determine the characteristics of the subsurface ocean present on the icy moon of Saturn and also help determine if Enceladus is favourable to life. The tiger stripes, present on the surface of Enceladus, are filled with four parallel line fractures in the south pole of the moon, which were first observed by NASA's Cassini spacecraft in 2005. Also Read: Water plumes collected from Jupiter’s moon Europa may bear signs of alien life The ice crystals are created in this region due to "cryovolcanism" and are believed to originate from the fractures present in the buried oceans of Enceladus. Because of this, a lot of material gathers over the south pole of the moon. Both the jets which create it and the brightness of this plume seem to differ in a pattern which lines up with the nearly 33-hour orbit of Enceladus around Saturn, which is the second-most massive planet in the solar system. Scientists try to decode tiger stripes Because of this, scientists have theorised that there is an increase in the activity of the jets as the tidal stress impacts the tiger stripes. The theory has, however, failed to explain why there is a peak in jets of Enceladus peak in brightness hours after tidal stresses reach their maximum or why a second smaller peak takes place just after Enceladus makes its closest approach to Saturn. According to the scientists, a new numerical simulation of the tidal stresses on Enceladus and the motion of its tiger stripe fractures helps in identifying a phenomenon which is similar to what has been seen at the San Andreas fault, in correspondence with the jet activity's pattern. Watch: Strongest sign of alien found: The search for life beyond earth Speaking to Space.com, leader of the team behind the simulation and a PhD Candidate at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) Alexander Berne said, "We developed a sophisticated numerical model to simulate tidally-driven strike-slip motion along Enceladus' faults. These models consider the role of friction, which causes the amount of slip on the faults to be sensitive to both compressional and shearing stresses." "The numerical model was able to simulate slip along Enceladus's faults in a manner which matched observed variations in plume brightness as well as spatial variations in surface temperature, suggesting that the jets and plume brightness variations are controlled by strike-slip motion over Enceladus' orbit," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

'Tiger stripes' may be hiding secrets of life on Saturn's moon Enceladus

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has made an interesting discovery on Saturday's icy moon Enceladus. A study by NASA on Thursday (Dec 14) showed that the agency found evidence of a key ingredient for life and a supercharged source of energy to fuel it.

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has made an interesting discovery on Saturday's icy moon Enceladus. A study by NASA on Thursday (Dec 14) showed that the agency found evidence of a key ingredient for life and a supercharged source of energy to fuel it. Scientists have known that the giant plume of ice grains and water vapour spewing from Enceladus is rich in organic compounds. "Now, scientists analyzing data from NASA’s Cassini mission are taking the evidence for habitability a step further: They’ve found strong confirmation of hydrogen cyanide, a molecule that is key to the origin of life," the study said. Researchers also uncovered evidence that an ocean, which is hiding below the moon's icy outer shell and supplies the plume, holds a powerful source of chemical energy. "Unidentified until now, the energy source is in the form of several organic compounds, some of which, on Earth, serve as fuel for organisms," according to NASA. Also read: NASA preps for PACE mission to study factors that shape our climate The study's findings indicate there may be more chemical energy inside Enceladus than previously thought. The study's lead author Jonah Peter said his work provides further evidence that the moon is a host to "some of the most important molecules for both creating the building blocks of life and for sustaining that life through metabolic reactions." “Not only does Enceladus seem to meet the basic requirements for habitability, we now have an idea about how complex biomolecules could form there, and what sort of chemical pathways might be involved,” said Peter, a doctoral student at Harvard University who performed much of the research while working at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Previous evidence found in 2017 In 2017, scientists found evidence at Enceladus that could help sustain life, if present, in its ocean. The combination of carbon dioxide, methane, and hydrogen in the plume was suggestive of methanogenesis, a metabolic process that produces methane, NASA said. Thursday's study has uncovered evidence for additional chemical sources far more powerful and diverse than the making of methane. Also read: 'Hello from the other side': NASA's Voyager 1 faces glitch in interstellar space, can't call back home “If methanogenesis is like a small watch battery, in terms of energy, then our results suggest the ocean of Enceladus might offer something more akin to a car battery, capable of providing a large amount of energy to any life that might be present,” said JPL’s Kevin Hand, co-author of the study. Reliance on statistical analyses Unlike earlier research where lab experiments and geochemical modelling were used to replicate the conditions the Cassini mission found at Enceladus, researchers this time relied on detailed statistical analyses. They examined data collected by Cassini’s ion and neutral mass spectrometer, which studied the gas, ions, and ice grains around Saturn, NASA said. "By quantifying the amount of information contained in the data, the authors were able to tease out subtle differences in how well different chemical compounds explain the Cassini signal," it added.

NASA finds energy source and molecule at Saturn's moon Enceladus

Scientists are still probing Enceladus, Saturn's ocean moon, as they think there's more to what we already know on planet Earth. They are trying to find life on another planet, and in the past decade, the search and research have picked pace, with increased attention on Enceladus.&nbsp;

So far, what we know about Enceladus is that it's an ice-covered ocean. The information comes from the Cassini mission, a space-research mission by NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency to study Saturn and its system, including its rings and natural satellites.&nbsp;

The mission ended its exploration of the Saturn system in 2017. However, scientists are still working through its data to find out more. Cassini discovered geyser-like plumes of water erupting through Enceladus' icy shell during its mission.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-tracks-an-aeroplane-sized-asteroid-hurtling-towards-earth-657080">NASA tracks an aeroplane-sized asteroid hurtling towards Earth</a>&nbsp;

It performed a close-proximity flyby in 2008 and analysed the plumes with its Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA), which showed that the water in the plumes contained a surprising mix of volatiles, including carbon dioxide, water vapour, and carbon monoxide.&nbsp;

The mission also found trace amounts of molecular nitrogen, simple hydrocarbons, and complex organic chemicals. Scientists are still analysing data from Cassini, which was destroyed in Saturn's atmosphere.&nbsp;

A new paper, titled "Observations of Elemental Composition of Enceladus Consistent with Generalized Models of Theoretical Ecosystems", has unveiled new findings.&nbsp;

For the latest finding, the researchers have used ecological and metabolic theory and modelling to understand how ammonia and inorganic phosphorous in Enceladus' ocean could make the moon favourable for life.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasas-scientists-discover-how-planets-were-formed-with-james-webb-heres-how-the-magic-unravelled-657008">James Webb telescope helps NASA scientists discover how planets were formed</a>

The authors explain: "Apart from speculating about threshold concentrations of bioactive compounds to support ecosystems, metabolic and ecological theory can provide a powerful interpretative lens to assess whether extraterrestrial environments are compatible with living ecosystems."&nbsp;

The analysis could be related to the Redfield ratio which is the consistent atomic ratio of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus found in marine phytoplankton and throughout the deep oceans.&nbsp;

The theory is given by American oceanographer Alfred Redfield, who said in his study in 1934 that the ratio of carbon to nitrogen to phosphorous (C:N:P) was remarkably consistent across ocean biomass at 106:16:1.&nbsp;

The authors of the new paper say: "Because of this seeming ubiquity, the Redfield ratio has been considered a target signature for astrobiological life detection, especially on ocean worlds such as Europa and Enceladus."&nbsp;

The study has noted that the analysis of Cassini's data from Enceladus' plumes shows a high level of inorganic phosphate in the ocean.&nbsp;

The authors have said that these reports of "phosphorus follow on the tails of previous work identifying numerous elemental constituents of terrestrial life (C, N, H, O) from the Enceladus plume".&nbsp;

Hence, Enceladus' ocean has a rich chemistry, and many chemicals reflect life's chemical makeup.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Scientists are still probing Enceladus, Saturn's ocean moon, as they think there's more to what we already know on planet Earth. They are trying to find life on another planet, and in the past decade, the search and research have picked pace, with increased attention on Enceladus.

Scientists are still probing Enceladus, Saturn's ocean moon, as they think there's more to what we already know on planet Earth. They are trying to find life on another planet, and in the past decade, the search and research have picked pace, with increased attention on Enceladus. So far, what we know about Enceladus is that it's an ice-covered ocean. The information comes from the Cassini mission, a space-research mission by NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency to study Saturn and its system, including its rings and natural satellites. The mission ended its exploration of the Saturn system in 2017. However, scientists are still working through its data to find out more. Cassini discovered geyser-like plumes of water erupting through Enceladus' icy shell during its mission. Also read: NASA tracks an aeroplane-sized asteroid hurtling towards Earth It performed a close-proximity flyby in 2008 and analysed the plumes with its Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA), which showed that the water in the plumes contained a surprising mix of volatiles, including carbon dioxide, water vapour, and carbon monoxide. The mission also found trace amounts of molecular nitrogen, simple hydrocarbons, and complex organic chemicals. Scientists are still analysing data from Cassini, which was destroyed in Saturn's atmosphere. A new paper, titled "Observations of Elemental Composition of Enceladus Consistent with Generalized Models of Theoretical Ecosystems", has unveiled new findings. For the latest finding, the researchers have used ecological and metabolic theory and modelling to understand how ammonia and inorganic phosphorous in Enceladus' ocean could make the moon favourable for life. Also read: James Webb telescope helps NASA scientists discover how planets were formed The authors explain: "Apart from speculating about threshold concentrations of bioactive compounds to support ecosystems, metabolic and ecological theory can provide a powerful interpretative lens to assess whether extraterrestrial environments are compatible with living ecosystems." The analysis could be related to the Redfield ratio which is the consistent atomic ratio of carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus found in marine phytoplankton and throughout the deep oceans. The theory is given by American oceanographer Alfred Redfield, who said in his study in 1934 that the ratio of carbon to nitrogen to phosphorous (C:N:P) was remarkably consistent across ocean biomass at 106:16:1. The authors of the new paper say: "Because of this seeming ubiquity, the Redfield ratio has been considered a target signature for astrobiological life detection, especially on ocean worlds such as Europa and Enceladus." The study has noted that the analysis of Cassini's data from Enceladus' plumes shows a high level of inorganic phosphate in the ocean. The authors have said that these reports of "phosphorus follow on the tails of previous work identifying numerous elemental constituents of terrestrial life (C, N, H, O) from the Enceladus plume". Hence, Enceladus' ocean has a rich chemistry, and many chemicals reflect life's chemical makeup. (With inputs from agencies)

Enceladus: Does Saturn's ocean moon hold chemicals necessary for life?

Saturn's rings are mad beautiful. And the fact that they can be observed with basic stargazing equipment has meant that astronomers even in the medieval times were able to observe them with not-so-advanced technology of the times. But there's more to Saturn than just rings. The most unique planet in our solar system has a large number of satellites one of which, has long piqued scientific interest for search for extraterrestrial life.

Enceladus, one of Saturn's satellites is unique in a way that it has an icy surface. The laws of physics say that where there is ice, there are very high chances of water underneath. And where there is water, there is life, at least as per our most conventional scientific understanding.

Drilling ice on earth is challenging enough, how to do that on a surface that's literally millions of kilometres away? NASA has a unique solution.&nbsp;

The space agency is planning to send a snake-like robot to check out surface of Enceladus.

The snake-robot has a long winding name. Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS). It is being developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

According to JPL , EELS is a "snake-like, self-propelled robot". It is made of segments with "first-of-a-kind rotating propulsion units". These will help it to grip surfaces and even move underwater.

This robotic snake is 16-foot long and weighs 220 pounds. At its head, EELS has machinery that'll help it map Enceladus in 3D. It'll send real time images. The body of EELS will have a payload that'll enable scientists to measure the sub-surface pressure.

JPL is currently testing the robot. As per media reports, the robot underwent testing at Athabasca Glacier in Canada's Jasper National Park.

"We are early in the project, but it is achievable in our lifetime," EELS Deputy Project Manager Rachel Etheredge said last year, as quoted by CBS News. "...It's an ambitious collaboration, and we're motived by the shared excitement we have for this concept, and the potential science we could gather with EELS."

"The EELS system is a mobile instrument platform conceived to explore internal terrain structures, assess habitability and ultimately search for evidence of life," NASA says of its development. "It is designed to be adaptable to traverse ocean-world-inspired terrain, fluidised media, enclosed labyrinthian environments and liquids."

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Saturn's rings are mad beautiful. And the fact that they can be observed with basic stargazing equipment has meant that astronomers even in the medieval times were able to observe them with not-so-advanced technology of the times.

Saturn's rings are mad beautiful. And the fact that they can be observed with basic stargazing equipment has meant that astronomers even in the medieval times were able to observe them with not-so-advanced technology of the times. But there's more to Saturn than just rings. The most unique planet in our solar system has a large number of satellites one of which, has long piqued scientific interest for search for extraterrestrial life. Enceladus, one of Saturn's satellites is unique in a way that it has an icy surface. The laws of physics say that where there is ice, there are very high chances of water underneath. And where there is water, there is life, at least as per our most conventional scientific understanding. Drilling ice on earth is challenging enough, how to do that on a surface that's literally millions of kilometres away? NASA has a unique solution. The space agency is planning to send a snake-like robot to check out surface of Enceladus. The snake-robot has a long winding name. Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor (EELS). It is being developed by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). According to JPL , EELS is a "snake-like, self-propelled robot". It is made of segments with "first-of-a-kind rotating propulsion units". These will help it to grip surfaces and even move underwater. This robotic snake is 16-foot long and weighs 220 pounds. At its head, EELS has machinery that'll help it map Enceladus in 3D. It'll send real time images. The body of EELS will have a payload that'll enable scientists to measure the sub-surface pressure. JPL is currently testing the robot. As per media reports, the robot underwent testing at Athabasca Glacier in Canada's Jasper National Park. "We are early in the project, but it is achievable in our lifetime," EELS Deputy Project Manager Rachel Etheredge said last year, as quoted by CBS News. "...It's an ambitious collaboration, and we're motived by the shared excitement we have for this concept, and the potential science we could gather with EELS." "The EELS system is a mobile instrument platform conceived to explore internal terrain structures, assess habitability and ultimately search for evidence of life," NASA says of its development. "It is designed to be adaptable to traverse ocean-world-inspired terrain, fluidised media, enclosed labyrinthian environments and liquids." You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

NASA to send 'snake-robot' to find alien life on Saturn's icy moon

The search for alien life has been the preoccupation of mankind for several centuries. There can always be an obscure planet hundreds of lightyears away that could harbour life but there are worthy candidates in our Solar System itself. Saturn's moon Enceladus is one of them.&nbsp;Enceladus is an icy world and scientists think the under its icy surface, there is a vast global ocean. It is almost an equation that where there's water, there's life. But how do we know for sure whether Enceladus hides life under its icy sheets.

The answer to this question is not as easy. At its thinnest, the ice cover is at least five kilometres thick. Drilling through these thick ice sheets and swimming in the ocean underneath is an extremely hard task. Enceladus is half a Solar System away. And drilling 5 kilometres through ice is a challenging task here on Earth to start with. Imagine doing it on some other planet's moon.

But scientists now think that we may not have to drill through ice to check whether life exists in the oceans of Enceladus. A probe would not even have to land on the surface.

Water plumes have been seen erupting from the surface of Enceladus. These go hundreds of kilometres into space. Scientists think that analysis of this water may give us indication of whether or not life exists in Enceladus' oceans.

Just as how life exists deep, deep in Earth's oceans where sunlight does not reach, the oceans of Enceladus may have some heat source. And life may well exist.

But we may have to only wonder whether there are aliens there, till we make a spacecraft capable of hovering above Enceladus analysing water from the plumes.

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The search for alien life has been the preoccupation of mankind for several centuries. There can always be an obscure planet hundreds of lightyears away that could harbour life but there are worthy candidates in our Solar System itself.

The search for alien life has been the preoccupation of mankind for several centuries. There can always be an obscure planet hundreds of lightyears away that could harbour life but there are worthy candidates in our Solar System itself. Saturn's moon Enceladus is one of them. Enceladus is an icy world and scientists think the under its icy surface, there is a vast global ocean. It is almost an equation that where there's water, there's life. But how do we know for sure whether Enceladus hides life under its icy sheets. The answer to this question is not as easy. At its thinnest, the ice cover is at least five kilometres thick. Drilling through these thick ice sheets and swimming in the ocean underneath is an extremely hard task. Enceladus is half a Solar System away. And drilling 5 kilometres through ice is a challenging task here on Earth to start with. Imagine doing it on some other planet's moon. But scientists now think that we may not have to drill through ice to check whether life exists in the oceans of Enceladus. A probe would not even have to land on the surface. Water plumes have been seen erupting from the surface of Enceladus. These go hundreds of kilometres into space. Scientists think that analysis of this water may give us indication of whether or not life exists in Enceladus' oceans. Just as how life exists deep, deep in Earth's oceans where sunlight does not reach, the oceans of Enceladus may have some heat source. And life may well exist. But we may have to only wonder whether there are aliens there, till we make a spacecraft capable of hovering above Enceladus analysing water from the plumes. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Does Saturn's moon have alien life under ice layer? We may be able to find out without landing on it

In what can be a boost to our efforts to search for alien life, scientists have found that Enceladus, a satellite of Saturn, has building blocks of life present under its surface. Enceladus is a frozen world the surface of which is covered with ice. Scientists think that there are oceans of liquid water below the surface, oceans that possible have life within them.

Now, modelling has indicated that the ocean on Enceladus is rich in dissolved phosphorus, which is an essential ingredient for life. The study has been published in &nbsp;Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS).

“Enceladus is one of the prime targets in humanity’s search for life in our solar system. In the years since NASA’s Cassini spacecraft visited the Saturn system, we have been repeatedly blown away by the discoveries made possible by the collected data,” said Christopher Glein, co-author of the paper, in a press statement. He is an extraterrestrial oceanography expert.

“What we have learned is that the plume contains almost all the basic requirements of life as we know it. While the bioessential element phosphorus has yet to be identified directly, our team discovered evidence for its availability in the ocean beneath the moon’s icy crust,” added Glein.

Presence of water significantly increases chances for life thriving on a planet or a satellite. There are many frozen worlds in our Solar System. Europa, a satellite of Jupiter is another example of a frozen world that scientists suspect has a liquid ocean under the surface.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/james-webb-telescope-captures-detailed-image-of-neptune-and-its-delicate-dusty-rings-518584">James Webb telescope captures detailed image of Neptune and its delicate, dusty rings</a>

“The quest for extraterrestrial habitability in the solar system has shifted focus, as we now look for the building blocks for life, including organic molecules, ammonia, sulfur-bearing compounds as well as the chemical energy needed to support life. Phosphorus presents an interesting case because previous work suggested that it might be scarce in the ocean of Enceladus, which would dim the prospects for life,” explained Glein.

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In what can be a boost to our efforts to search for alien life, scientists have found that Enceladus, a satellite of Saturn, has building blocks of life present under its surface.

In what can be a boost to our efforts to search for alien life, scientists have found that Enceladus, a satellite of Saturn, has building blocks of life present under its surface. Enceladus is a frozen world the surface of which is covered with ice. Scientists think that there are oceans of liquid water below the surface, oceans that possible have life within them. Now, modelling has indicated that the ocean on Enceladus is rich in dissolved phosphorus, which is an essential ingredient for life. The study has been published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS). “Enceladus is one of the prime targets in humanity’s search for life in our solar system. In the years since NASA’s Cassini spacecraft visited the Saturn system, we have been repeatedly blown away by the discoveries made possible by the collected data,” said Christopher Glein, co-author of the paper, in a press statement. He is an extraterrestrial oceanography expert. “What we have learned is that the plume contains almost all the basic requirements of life as we know it. While the bioessential element phosphorus has yet to be identified directly, our team discovered evidence for its availability in the ocean beneath the moon’s icy crust,” added Glein. Presence of water significantly increases chances for life thriving on a planet or a satellite. There are many frozen worlds in our Solar System. Europa, a satellite of Jupiter is another example of a frozen world that scientists suspect has a liquid ocean under the surface. Also Read | James Webb telescope captures detailed image of Neptune and its delicate, dusty rings “The quest for extraterrestrial habitability in the solar system has shifted focus, as we now look for the building blocks for life, including organic molecules, ammonia, sulfur-bearing compounds as well as the chemical energy needed to support life. Phosphorus presents an interesting case because previous work suggested that it might be scarce in the ocean of Enceladus, which would dim the prospects for life,” explained Glein. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Chances of alien life on Saturn's moon recently got a boost

Search for alien life has been favourite pastime as well as matter of scientific interest for mankind. Earth is teeming with life. Most part of the blue planet is covered by water. While searching for life on other planets, we often search for signs of presence of water. Because wherever there is water, there's likely to be life.

Europa, the satellite of planet Jupiter and Enceladus, the satellite of Saturn are covered in ice. The very thick icy sheet goes several kilometres deep from the surface. Scientists think that there are enormous oceans of liquid water under this ice coating on these satellites. At least till now, we have only been able to make conjectures&nbsp;about strange sea creatures swimming in these uncharted oceans.

But now a concept design has proposed a novel solution to the problem of ice sheets several kilometres thick. Ethan Schaler, a robotics mechanical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has put forth a new idea. Schaler’s Sensing With Independent Micro-Swimmers (SWIM) concept was awarded $600,000 from NASA.

Schaler's concept involves sending dozens of mobile phone-sized swimming probe to Europa and releasing them in the water below the ice. But how can we penetrate kilometres of ice to reach the liquid ocean? By a cryobot.

This cryobot would have narrow ice-melting probes in which the swimming probes with be place. The narrow probe will melt ice and reach the ocean. And this will be the time to release swimming probes and gather data.

If the conept design gets developed into something concrete, then these probes may actually get sent to Europa. NASA is planning to make it happen by 2030.

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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Search for alien life has been favourite pastime as well as matter of scientific interest for mankind. Earth is teeming with life. Most part of the blue planet is covered by water.

Search for alien life has been favourite pastime as well as matter of scientific interest for mankind. Earth is teeming with life. Most part of the blue planet is covered by water. While searching for life on other planets, we often search for signs of presence of water. Because wherever there is water, there's likely to be life. Europa, the satellite of planet Jupiter and Enceladus, the satellite of Saturn are covered in ice. The very thick icy sheet goes several kilometres deep from the surface. Scientists think that there are enormous oceans of liquid water under this ice coating on these satellites. At least till now, we have only been able to make conjectures about strange sea creatures swimming in these uncharted oceans. But now a concept design has proposed a novel solution to the problem of ice sheets several kilometres thick. Ethan Schaler, a robotics mechanical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has put forth a new idea. Schaler’s Sensing With Independent Micro-Swimmers (SWIM) concept was awarded $600,000 from NASA. Schaler's concept involves sending dozens of mobile phone-sized swimming probe to Europa and releasing them in the water below the ice. But how can we penetrate kilometres of ice to reach the liquid ocean? By a cryobot. This cryobot would have narrow ice-melting probes in which the swimming probes with be place. The narrow probe will melt ice and reach the ocean. And this will be the time to release swimming probes and gather data. If the conept design gets developed into something concrete, then these probes may actually get sent to Europa. NASA is planning to make it happen by 2030. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

NASA may make swimming robots to find aliens

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