Saturn

Scientists report that microbes from Earth can survive laboratory conditions designed to mimic the ocean beneath the icy surface of Saturn's moon Enceladus. The finding suggests life could persist in the moon's subsurface sea, strengthening the case that Enceladus is one of the most promising places in the solar system to search for extraterrestrial life. Researchers say future missions could test whether such life actually exists there.

Researchers led by planetary scientist Frank Postberg at Freie Universität Berlin report promising new discoveries about the potential for life on Enceladus, Saturn's icy moon, drawing on data from the Cassini mission. The findings, published in Science, suggest conditions beneath the moon's frozen surface could support microbes, drawing attention across scientific and news communities.

New analysis of Cassini spacecraft data shows a surprising diversity of salt grains in the plumes erupting from Enceladus, Saturn's icy moon. The findings suggest the ocean beneath its surface varies in composition and chemistry, strengthening the case that Enceladus is one of the most promising places to look for conditions suitable for life beyond Earth.