A photo from open sources
On Enceladus, the sixth largest satellite of Saturn, found traces of complex organics that may indicate about the presence of life there. Soon it will fly to a distant celestial body NASA unmanned spacecraft that will carefully examine find and try to determine whether the ice moon can inhabit living organisms.
Despite the fact that the diameter of Enceladus is only 505 kilometers (versus 12742 near the Earth), NASA scientists consider this satellite the most livable place in the solar system after our “blue ball”.
Researchers have previously found simple carbon compounds, however, they consisted of a maximum of 5 atoms. Now in the plumes of the moon of Saturn was discovered complex organics, including molecules of at least 15 carbon atoms. According to experts American National Space Agency, it’s about the first ever observation of such complex organics outside Of the earth.
Organic samples of ice were collected automatic interplanetary station “Cassini” flying through trail of Enceladus.
A photo from open sources
Scientists clarify that such a discovery is not worth perceiving as one hundred percent proof of life on a companion, since hypothetically complex organic molecules can be obtained not only due to biological reactions. Next a necessary step will be the departure to Enceladus of the apparatus, which will sit on a heavenly body and will seek extraterrestrial life directly there.
Recall that in 2022 the European Space Agency will launch devices on Ganymede and Europe (the sixth satellite of Jupiter) “JUICE” and “Europa Clipper”, respectively, who will study subsurface oceans on icy moons, including look there traces of life.
Life Moon NASA Saturn
