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.