clipped from: news.bbc.co.uk |
ENCELADUS - AN ACTIVE MOON OF SATURN
Enceladus experiences tidal contortions as it orbits its parent planet
This energy is producing a "hotspot" at the satellite's southern pole
Big cracks (L) are 100 degrees warmer than the surrounding ice surface
These tiger stripes are the source of immense plumes (R)
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Nasa's Cassini spacecraft has obtained strong evidence that Saturn's tiny moon Enceladus retains liquid water.
The probe has detected sodium salts in the vicinity of the satellite, which appear to spew from its south pole.
Liquid water that is in prolonged contact with rock will leach out sodium - in exactly the same way as Earth's oceans have become salty over time.
Scientists tell Nature magazine that the liquid water may reside in caverns just below the surface of the moon.
If confirmed, it is a stunning result. It means the Saturnian satellite may be one of the most promising places in the Solar System to search for signs of extraterrestrial life.
