New research has found that the side-to-side motion along distinctive ‘tiger stripes’ on Saturn’s moon Enceladus is linked to jets of ice crystals erupting from its icy shell. The findings could help determine the characteristics of this icy moon of Saturn’s subsurface ocean, and thus whether Enceladus is favorable for life. Enceladus’ tiger stripes consist … Read more
Saturn has 146 confirmed moons – more than any other planet in the solar system – but one called Enceladus stands out. It seems to have the ingredients for life. From 2004 to 2017, Cassini – a joint mission of NASA, the European Space Agency and the Italian Space Agency – examined Saturn, its rings … Read more
NASA is working on a roadmap for robots that could visit ocean worlds via future space missions and crack the world’s thick, icy shells to explore subterranean seas in search of life. Recently, the space agency unveiled the results of a NASA-sponsored workshop held in February 2023 that brought together scientists and engineers to discuss … Read more