Organic material detected at Enceladus
Posted: Sat, Mar 29, 2008, 10:42 AM ET (1442 GMT)
NASA's Cassini spacecraft has detected traces of organic compounds on Saturn's moon Enceladus, suggesting that the moon's composition more closely resembles that of a comet than expected. Cassini detected the organic materials, including methane, propane, acetylene, and formaldehyde, when it flew very close to the moon on March 12, coming as close as 50 kilometers to the surface and passing through tenuous plumes of material created by geysers. The mix of materials detected by Cassini resembles the primordial compounds found in comets, a finding that took scientists by surprise. The organic materials, water, and heat source that powers the geysers provide all the key ingredients needed for life, although liquid water has yet to be directly detected below the moon's icy surface.
NASA's Cassini spacecraft has detected traces of organic compounds on Saturn's moon Enceladus, suggesting that the moon's composition more closely resembles that of a comet than expected. Cassini detected the organic materials, including methane, propane, acetylene, and formaldehyde, when it flew very close to the moon on March 12, coming as close as 50 kilometers to the surface and passing through tenuous plumes of material created by geysers. The mix of materials detected by Cassini resembles the primordial compounds found in comets, a finding that took scientists by surprise. The organic materials, water, and heat source that powers the geysers provide all the key ingredients needed for life, although liquid water has yet to be directly detected below the moon's icy surface.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
NASA to launch Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope in September
Posted: Sat, Apr 25 10:54 AM ET (1454 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Monday, April 27
Program: PNG Starlink ban to end after National Court ruling
Australian Broadcasting Corporation — 5:26 am ET (0926 GMT) Starlink set to return to Papua New Guinea after court quashes ban, clearing path for connectivity
Radio New Zealand — 5:26 am ET (0926 GMT) U.S. Space Command Commander Gen. Stephen N. Whiting to Host Ribbon Cutting Ceremony on Redstone Arsenal
US Space Command — 5:25 am ET (0925 GMT) Space Command facility ribbon cutting set for Wednesday
WAFF-TV — 5:25 am ET (0925 GMT) SpaceX launches Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base Sunday morning
KSBY-TV San Luis Obispo, CA — 5:24 am ET (0924 GMT) |
