Why does Enceladus spray water ice into space?
Quick Answer
Saturn’s gravity and tidal forces heat Enceladus’s interior, powering geysers that erupt through cracks near the south pole. The plumes likely come from a subsurface ocean.
The Full Story
Enceladus is a small Saturnian moon with surprising geological activity. Tidal flexing from Saturn and orbital interactions with other moons produce enough internal heat to keep part of the interior warm and active. At the south pole, long fractures nicknamed tiger stripes vent jets of water vapor, ice grains, and organic compounds. Cassini observed these plumes directly, making Enceladus one of the most exciting worlds for astrobiology.
Key Facts
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