More evidence suggests that one of Saturn’s moons can accommodate life

A new study From Encladus, one of Saturn’s moons, has discovered several organic compounds that had never been recorded before. The findings, published this month in the nature of astronomy, offers new clues to the internal chemical composition of this ice world as well as new hope that can devote life.

The researchers analyzed the Cassini exploration data that was launched in 1997 and studied Keyvan and its moons for years until its destruction in 2017. For Encladus, Cassini collected data from the icy pieces that came out of the subcontinent to space.

Encladus is one of the 274 corpses that has been discovered in Saturn’s gravitational pull. This diameter measures about 500 kilometers and turns it into the sixth largest satellite of the planet. While this month is not distinct in size, it is noteworthy for Cryovolcanoes – it is noteworthy at Enclaadus, which pulls water vapor and ice parts. Outdated materials can be up to 10,000 kilometers long, over a distance from Mexico to Patagonia, and some of these materials reach space. The outermost main rings of Saturn – its ring – are primarily made of ice made by Encladus in space.

It is believed that it comes from a saline water chamber beneath the ice shell connected to its rock core. It is possible that chemical reactions occur under high pressure and heat.

So far, most of the ice chemical analysis of Enceladus was from the precipitated particles in Saturn’s ring. But during a high -speed flight in 2008, Cassini was lucky enough to directly sampled fresh parts of a cryolkanko. The new research article confirmed this data and shows the presence of previously identified organic molecules, as well as compounds that were not previously discovered.

“It is believed that such compounds are more sophisticated in the synthesis of more sophisticated molecules, which can be potentially biologically relevant. It is important to note that these molecules can also be illegally formed. This discovery significantly expands the range of organic molecules.

The main thing is that the compounds appear in freshly protruding particles, and indicate that they are formed in the hidden ocean of the moon or in contact with its internal interfaces, not during their journey through E or by exposure to space conditions. It reinforces the hypothesis that hydrothermal processes beneath the Encladus surface can create rich organic chemistry. By combining this new study with previous studies, scientists have now found five of the six essential elements for carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur in the satellite.

This is not the discovery of life, not the biological – the signs of life. However, the study confirms that Encladus has three basic conditions for life: liquid water, energy source, and essential elements and organics. “Encladus is the main goal for life and life search,” Khawaja said.

This story appeared first Wired en español And translated from Spanish.