1. What was discovered on Saturn’s moon Enceladus?
Hydrogen cyanide, a molecule crucial in the creation of life, was found in Enceladus’s oceans.
2. What does this discovery suggest?
The oceans of Enceladus may have more chemical energy to support complex organic compounds than previously thought.
3. How was this discovery made?
By re-analysing data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, which orbited Saturn and sampled plumes from Enceladus.
4. What else was found in the plumes?
Along with hydrogen cyanide, methanol, ethane, and oxygen were detected.
5. Why is this discovery significant for life?
It indicates that Enceladus has essential molecules for life and possibly the conditions to sustain it.
6. What did the Cassini mission involve?
A joint project between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency, including the Huygens lander that landed on Titan.
7. What are Enceladus’s features?
It has a frozen surface, a warmer saltwater ocean underneath, and is an active source of water volcanism.
8. What does this mean for the potential for life?
The presence of key chemicals and a suitable aquatic environment suggest Enceladus could potentially host life, though none has been found yet.
