Using mass spectrometry data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft, scientists found that large, carbon-rich organic molecules are ejected from cracks in the icy surface of Saturn's moon Enceladus.
Southwest Research Institute scientists think chemical reactions between the moon's rocky core and warm water from its subsurface ocean are linked to these complex molecules.
The Cosmic Dust Analyzer (CDA) and the SwRI-led Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) made measurements both within the plume and Saturn's E-ring, which is formed by plume ice grains escaping Enceladus' gravity.
The INMS and CDA teams collaborated to reach a deeper understanding of the organic chemistry of Enceladus' subsurface ocean than would be possible with only one data set." "A future spacecraft could fly through the plume of Enceladus, and analyze those complex organic molecules using a high-resolution mass spectrometer to help us determine how they were made.
Perhaps! Worth investigating for sure. I'm more interested in Europa myself. I've been following some work being done by Ga. Tech at the Ross Ice shelf with their 'IceFin' submersible. This vessel...
Perhaps! Worth investigating for sure. I'm more interested in Europa myself. I've been following some work being done by Ga. Tech at the Ross Ice shelf with their 'IceFin' submersible. This vessel is a early model of what could be used to explore the oceans under the ice of Europa.
I'd love for us to find concrete evidence of some level of extraterrestrial life within my natural lifetime. I'm a little concerned about its abundance vis-à-vis the Great Filter, but I would be...
I'd love for us to find concrete evidence of some level of extraterrestrial life within my natural lifetime. I'm a little concerned about its abundance vis-à-vis the Great Filter, but I would be endlessly giddy if we find something.
It just going to be a matter of a whole lot of hard work, time and some luck. Like you, I hope I'm alive when the discovery is made. First I think will will find single celled organisms and that...
It just going to be a matter of a whole lot of hard work, time and some luck.
Like you, I hope I'm alive when the discovery is made. First I think will will find single celled organisms and that will be the watershed moment. It maybe we will find fossilized remains of single celled organisms first and I'll take it! When we do, I'll join in with you and hopefully there will be the parties to end all parties here on earth to celebrate.
H Y P E I N T E N S I F I E S (less low-effort): Seriously, with the amount of organic material being discovered in the solar system, our current methods are bearing fruit and will therefore have...
H Y P E I N T E N S I F I E S
(less low-effort): Seriously, with the amount of organic material being discovered in the solar system, our current methods are bearing fruit and will therefore have a higher likelihood of being bankrolled in the future. And there is a non-zero chance that Life As We Know It might not be unique to Earth
I just hope that any first contact with extraterrestrial life goes peaceably. Judging from our previous track record, we’ll either be wiped out without warning to make way for a hyperspace lane,...
I just hope that any first contact with extraterrestrial life goes peaceably. Judging from our previous track record, we’ll either be wiped out without warning to make way for a hyperspace lane, or we sterilize the little life there is with our idiocy.
What about Europa? I thought that moon was a decent candidate too.
With complex organic molecules emanating from its liquid water ocean, this moon is the only body besides Earth known to simultaneously satisfy all of the basic requirements for life as we know it.
What about Europa? I thought that moon was a decent candidate too.
Quick Summary:
Likelihood of microbial origin?
Perhaps! Worth investigating for sure. I'm more interested in Europa myself. I've been following some work being done by Ga. Tech at the Ross Ice shelf with their 'IceFin' submersible. This vessel is a early model of what could be used to explore the oceans under the ice of Europa.
https://www.cnet.com/news/icefin-robot-today-exploring-antarcticas-depths-tomorrow-jupiters-moon/
I'd love for us to find concrete evidence of some level of extraterrestrial life within my natural lifetime. I'm a little concerned about its abundance vis-à-vis the Great Filter, but I would be endlessly giddy if we find something.
It just going to be a matter of a whole lot of hard work, time and some luck.
Like you, I hope I'm alive when the discovery is made. First I think will will find single celled organisms and that will be the watershed moment. It maybe we will find fossilized remains of single celled organisms first and I'll take it! When we do, I'll join in with you and hopefully there will be the parties to end all parties here on earth to celebrate.
with any luck, our lifetime might be much longer then it would be naturally :)
Don't let your (transhuman) dreams be dreams! ᕕ( ᐛ )ᕗ
H Y P E I N T E N S I F I E S
(less low-effort): Seriously, with the amount of organic material being discovered in the solar system, our current methods are bearing fruit and will therefore have a higher likelihood of being bankrolled in the future. And there is a non-zero chance that Life As We Know It might not be unique to Earth
I just hope that any first contact with extraterrestrial life goes peaceably. Judging from our previous track record, we’ll either be wiped out without warning to make way for a hyperspace lane, or we sterilize the little life there is with our idiocy.
What about Europa? I thought that moon was a decent candidate too.