‘Organic molecules’ are coming out of a nearby moon that could be home to aliens, scientists say
New findings show that nearby moon could be habitable, scientists say
- Scientists have detected fresh "complex organic molecules" emanating from Enceladus, an icy moon orbiting Saturn.
- These molecules are similar to those on Earth that are fundamental to life, significantly increasing the likelihood of the moon being habitable.
- The discovery confirms that the complex organic molecules are actively produced within Enceladus's underground ocean, rather than being altered by prolonged exposure to space.
- The Cassini spacecraft previously identified an active underground ocean and organic molecules in jets spewing from cracks in the moon's surface.
- The new findings are yet more evidence that Enceladus could be habitable, the researchers behind them say.