Cassini

Researchers led by planetary scientist Frank Postberg at Freie Universität Berlin report promising new discoveries about the potential for life on Enceladus, Saturn's icy moon, drawing on data from the Cassini mission. The findings, published in Science, suggest conditions beneath the moon's frozen surface could support microbes, drawing attention across scientific and news communities.

New analysis of Cassini spacecraft data shows a surprising diversity of salt grains in the plumes erupting from Enceladus, Saturn's icy moon. The findings suggest the ocean beneath its surface varies in composition and chemistry, strengthening the case that Enceladus is one of the most promising places to look for conditions suitable for life beyond Earth.