The Forces Controlling The Jets On Saturn's Moon Enceladus
Sunday, August 4, 2013 - 06:00
in Astronomy & Space
The intensity of the jets of water ice and organic particles that shoot out from Enceladus, a moon orbiting Saturn, depends on its proximity to the ringed planet, according to data obtained by NASA's Cassini spacecraft.The finding adds to evidence that a liquid water reservoir or ocean lurks under the icy surface of the moon. This is the first clear observation the bright plume emanating from Enceladus' south pole varies predictably. Cassini, which has been orbiting Saturn since 2004, discovered the jets that form the plume in 2005. The water ice and organic particles spray out from several narrow fissures nicknamed "tiger stripes." read more