Earth microbes survive simulated conditions of Saturn moon’s ocean
Researchers have discovered that deep-sea microbes from Earth can survive in simulated conditions mimicking the saltwater ocean beneath the icy crust of Saturn's moon, Enceladus. The study suggests that the moon could potentially harbor life.
Why it matters
This finding expands the criteria for habitability in the solar system and strengthens the case for future astrobiological exploration of icy moons.
Observations of Enceladus have revealed it emits massive plumes of water vapour into space, suggesting a saltwater ocean exists under its frozen crust. Observations of Enceladus have revealed it emits massive plumes of water vapour into space, suggesting a saltwater ocean exists under its frozen crust. Saturn Earth microbes survive simulated conditions of Saturn moon’s ocean Experiment suggests organisms could live in harsh environment under Enceladus’s icy crust, strengthening possibility moon could support life
Prefer the Guardian on Google From the moment scientists spotted plumes of water erupting from Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons, it became the most tantalising place in the solar system to search for life beyond Earth.
Now the case is even more compelling after researchers found that organisms that live in deep-sea waters off Japan can survive the harsh conditions expected in the briny ocean that lurks beneath Enceladus’s icy crust.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in