Organic molecules spotted coming out of one of Saturn’s moons

According to scientists, an increased amount of organic molecules have been discovered emanating from Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

Enceladus has emerged as a top contender for harboring life within our solar system. This dynamic icy world maintains the ideal temperature conditions and boasts vast subterranean oceans.

Recent studies on the remote planet offer increased promise of Enceladus’ potential habitability. Upon re-evaluation of a particular study, researchers conclude that it appears even more primed for sustaining life than previously believed.

The findings of the new study suggest that the plumes emanating from the surface contain a variety of organic molecules, including methanol, ethane, and oxygen.

The discovery was made by astronomers who re-examined data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. During its flybys in 2011 and 2012, the spacecraft captured samples of plumes that contained water, carbon dioxide, methane, ammonia, and molecular hydrogen.

Upon further examination of the data, Nasa researchers compared it to a vast collection of comparable samples. Their discovery revealed that the plumes not only contained the five specified chemicals but also an assortment of additional molecules. This year, researchers announced the detection of phosphates on Enceladus – a development that further fueled the possibility of it being able to support living organisms.

In conjunction with existing research, the new findings imply that there is a possibility of the world already harboring extraterrestrial life or possessing the necessary conditions for its emergence.