Organic Compounds Found in Plumes of Saturn's Icy Moon Enceladus

Organic Compounds Found in Plumes of Saturn's Icy Moon Enceladus

Warp Curated News
Warp Curated News

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Scientists have detected new types of organic compounds in the plumes that have been erupting from Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus.

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft collected invaluable data and images of Saturn and its moons over the approximately 20 years that the mission took place. While the mission ended on Sept. 15, 2017, with the craft diving toward the planet in a “Grand Finale,” scientists continue to study the wealth of data that they gathered during the mission. 

In one new study, scientists looked at the material that Enceladus ejects from its core using hydrothermal vents. The material mixes with water in the moon’s subsurface ocean and is then emitted as water vapor and icy grains. 

In Photos: Enceladus, Saturn’s Icy, Shiny Moon
Related:
Saturn’s Moon Enceladus Is Likely the ‘Perfect Age’ to Harbor Life

In studying these ejections, the team found organic molecules that are condensed onto these…
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