YouTube channel Life on Enceladus

[Astrolekker]

Hi, I'm new.

I'm currently studying A-levels, and I'm going to study astrophysics at uni, so I may be on this website quite often asking questions in the future!

Secondly, I have a question. Why is there LIQUID water under Enceladus' surface? Is it similar to Europa around Jupiter where there are frictional forces involved? Also, what does everyone here make of the chances of there being life under the surface of Enceladus? And how evolved it would be?

 

[Mordred]

Welcome to the forum, the water under Enceladus is due to tidal stresses of its orbit around Saturn. The stress generates friction from tidal bulging. Its unknown whether this will allow conditions for life, liquid water isn't the only needed condition. There is a remote chance microscopic life forms may be present. However that is only a possibility, at this point its speculation.

 

[Astrolekker]

Has it not been discovered though that simple organic molecules were being emitted by the cryovolcanoes on its surface?

I wonder perhaps when we get a clearer idea on the situation...

 

[mfb]

Has it not been discovered though that simple organic molecules were being emitted by the cryovolcanoes on its surface?

Organic molecules can form in space, too, it is not so surprising that they can form on planets.

 

[pmacias]

Hello and welcome to the scientific community! It's great to see someone with a passion for astrophysics and I'm sure you'll find plenty of resources and discussions on this website to further your interest.

To answer your question about liquid water on Enceladus, it is believed that the tidal forces exerted by Saturn on the moon's icy surface create enough heat to melt the ice and form liquid water reservoirs beneath the surface. This process is similar to what happens on Europa, as you mentioned.

As for the possibility of life on Enceladus, it is an exciting topic that has gained a lot of attention in recent years. The discovery of organic molecules and plumes of water vapor on the moon's surface have sparked further investigations into the potential for life. However, it is important to note that the conditions necessary for life to exist are still being studied and we cannot definitively say whether or not there is life on Enceladus at this time.

In terms of how evolved any potential life on Enceladus may be, it is difficult to predict without further exploration and research. It is possible that any life forms may have evolved in a completely different way than what we are familiar with on Earth. This is why it is so important for us to continue studying and exploring the outer solar system to better understand the potential for life beyond our planet.

I hope this answer has been helpful and I look forward to seeing your future contributions to the scientific community!