Tag: Ocean World
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Cassini proves complex chemistry in Enceladus ocean
Fresh ice grains reveal complex organics The latest analysis of Cassini data, published in Nature Astronomy, strengthens the case that Enceladus harbors a chemically rich ocean beneath its icy shell. The mission’s data show that fresh ice grains ejected from the south polar vents carry a suite of organic molecules, including precursors to amino acids.…
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Enceladus Life Potential Grows With New Organic Plumes
New organics in Enceladus’ plumes boost habitability prospects A fresh analysis of ice grains ejected from Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus finds organic molecules that support the idea of a subsurface ocean capable of supporting life-friendly chemistry. The work revisits data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, which performed a close, high-speed flyby of Enceladus in 2008 and…