Lotsa folks had been talking up Jupiter's moon Europa, and the likely liquid water ocean below its' frozen surface as the solar system's most likely world to harbor life (other than our own blessed globe).
Now, after Cassini-Huygens, it looks like it could be Saturn's mood Enceladus in the lead for the site of the 'most miraculous discovery in human history'. These are liquid water sprays, believed to be from 'geysers' which emanate from the 'tiger stripes' seen on the moon's surface (bottom picture). Most of the water particles are believed to escape the moon's gravity and eventually contribute to Saturn's 'E' ring.
Here's the world's surface. My God - it's full of stars!
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/multimedia/images/image-details.cfm?imageID=2027
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/03/0310_060310_saturn.html
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=3756
Fascinating scenario for extraterrestrial life. Discuss!
Now, after Cassini-Huygens, it looks like it could be Saturn's mood Enceladus in the lead for the site of the 'most miraculous discovery in human history'. These are liquid water sprays, believed to be from 'geysers' which emanate from the 'tiger stripes' seen on the moon's surface (bottom picture). Most of the water particles are believed to escape the moon's gravity and eventually contribute to Saturn's 'E' ring.
Here's the world's surface. My God - it's full of stars!
http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/multimedia/images/image-details.cfm?imageID=2027
http://news.nationalgeographic.com/news/2006/03/0310_060310_saturn.html
http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=3756
Fascinating scenario for extraterrestrial life. Discuss!
