The Mystery Behind Saturn s Moon Enceladus
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The Enigma of Saturn's Moon Enceladus
Summary
The Cassini-Huygens space probe's journey to Saturn unearthed unexpected geological mysteries on Enceladus, a moon once thought to be inactive. This discovery challenges prior scientific expectations and hints at unknown heat sources.Keywords
Enceladus, Saturn, Saturn's moons, Saturn's E ring, Cassini, Cassini-Huygens space probe, NASAArticle
The Cassini-Huygens mission, a collaboration between NASA, the European Space Agency, and the Italian Space Agency, devoted seven years to exploring Saturn, with particular focus on its intriguing moon Enceladus. Once presumed lifeless, Enceladus surprises scientists with its vibrant geological activity. Reflecting almost all incoming light, its surface remains chilling at minus 330 degrees Fahrenheit, yet it holds a dynamic secret.
Contrary to its neighboring moon Mimas, Enceladus reveals unexpected energy through geysers that spew ice particles and water vapor from its south pole. Despite its small size, approximately 300 miles in radius, Enceladus displays rare geological activity, leaving scientists fascinated and puzzled. The mystery lies in identifying the tremendous heat source warming its icy exterior, with current theories suggesting tidal forces or radioactive decay as potential causes.
Initially, scientists thought mid-latitude tectonic cracks emitted this heat. However, a subsequent Cassini flyby revealed a new perspective. At a closer approach of 109 miles, it became clear the heat actually emanated from "tiger stripes," 80-mile long fissures paralleling each other about 25 miles apart. Notably, the hottest zones are within the tiger stripes' south polar region.
Cassini identified two ice types on Enceladus: ancient amorphous ice, a product of constant surface conditions, and newer fine crystalline ice particles emerging from the tiger stripes. Averaging ten microns in size, these particles contribute to the makeup of Saturn's expansive E ring.
Scheduled for March 2008, Cassini's next visit to Enceladus promises to further unravel its secrets, deepening our understanding of this enigmatic moon.
Sources:
1. "Enceladus Erupting," NASA Report, 12-7-05
2. "Enceladus Plume," Jet Propulsion Laboratory, 12-6-05
3. "Possible Source of E Ring," Bill Arnett, 2-17-05
4. "Saturn: Moons: Enceladus," NASA: Solar Systems Exploration, 10-6-03
5. "Enceladus’s Tiger Stripes are Really Cubs," NASA Release
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