All articles tagged with #ice grains
The study reanalyzes Cassini's high-speed fly-by data of Enceladus, revealing the presence of diverse organic compounds, including aromatics, esters, ethers, and N- and O-bearing species, in freshly ejected ice grains. These findings suggest complex organic chemistry within Enceladus's subsurface ocean, likely driven by hydrothermal processes, and provide insights into the moon's potential habitability.
Lab experiments show that spacecraft instruments can detect signs of alien life in ice grains spewed by moons like Enceladus and Europa. By flying through ice plumes and analyzing the particles, scientists can identify bacterial cells and organic molecules that may indicate the presence of life-friendly molecules in subsurface oceans. Instruments on upcoming missions like Europa Clipper could potentially detect traces of life in icy moons, making it easier than previously thought to find signs of life in our solar system.
Scientists have discovered that amino acids within ice grains from Saturn's moon Enceladus can survive impact speeds of up to 9,400 mph, making it possible to collect undamaged ice grains that may contain organic molecules and signs of life. The findings have implications for future missions to other water-bearing moons, such as Jupiter's Europa, where similar amino acids may exist.