Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Uproar After NC State Agent 'Fixes' Girl's Lunch Preschooler has to eat chicken nuggets instead of mom's meal »

Saturn's Moon Hints at Water

High speeds strongly hint at liquid water's presence

By Ambreen Ali,  Newser User

Posted Nov 26, 2008 4:44 PM CST

(Newser) – Plumes of gas and dust firing off one of Saturn's moons are moving at speeds “hard to do without liquids,” astronomers say, strongly suggesting the presence of water and raising the possibility of the moon supporting life. As Enceladus continues “helpfully spewing out its innards,” evidence of liquid H2O “is building,” a scientist tells the AP.

Scientists used images from NASA's Cassini probe to measure the faster-than-sound speed—more than 1,360 mph—at which dust and gas is shooting off Enceladus, one of Saturn's 60 moons. The land mass has the right components for potential life, making it the "go-to place" for outer planet exploration, says a NASA astronomer.

Enceladus is seen here as a white disk across the unilluminated side of Saturn's rings (black and white stripes across the bottom of the image).
Enceladus is seen here as a white disk across the unilluminated side of Saturn's rings (black and white stripes across the bottom of the image).   (AP Photo/NASA)
This file image provided by NASA shows geyser-like eruptions of ice particles, water vapor, and possibly liquid water shooting out Enceladus.
This file image provided by NASA shows geyser-like eruptions of ice particles, water vapor, and possibly liquid water shooting out Enceladus.   (AP Photo/NASA, file)
This image was taken with the Cassini and shows the surface of Enceladus.
This image was taken with the Cassini and shows the surface of Enceladus.   (AP Photo/NASA)
If liquid water is shooting off the moon, there is potential for life on this fertile mass.
If liquid water is shooting off the moon, there is potential for life on this fertile mass.   (AP Photo/NASA)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Guest
Nov 26, 2008 5:50 AM CST
Lets send the corona-king there.

More Newser Stories

China Plans to Grab Moon Rocks by 2016

Russia's Failed Mars Probe Will Crash to Earth

NASA to Harpoon Comets

World's Biggest Plane to Rocket People into Space

NASA OKs First Private Space Station Trip


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne