Scientists have found new evidence of the possibility of life on Saturn's moon

A recent analysis of Cassini mission data has revealed new organic compounds in the geysers of Saturn's moon Enceladus, reinforcing speculation about its potential habitability. This was announced on October 3 by the China Global Television Network (CGTN).

Scientists revisited the data obtained during Cassini's closest flyby of Enceladus in 2008, including a flyby through geysers of water and ice erupting from cracks at the satellite's south pole. The researchers were able to study in more detail the composition of the subsurface ocean, hidden under a layer of ice 20-30 km thick. The analysis confirmed the presence of previously discovered organic precursor molecules of amino acids, and also revealed new categories of organic compounds that had not been previously recorded.

"We found several categories of organic, that is, predominantly carbon—containing molecules with different structures and chemical properties," said Nozair Khawaja, a planetary scientist at the Free University of Berlin and lead author of the study.

He stressed that these compounds can participate in the synthesis of more complex molecules, which are essential components of life. However, their formation can also occur abiotically, without the participation of living organisms.

Enceladus is considered one of the most promising objects in the Solar system for the search for life. Its subsurface ocean contains hot mineralized waters, creating conditions similar to those that could have contributed to the appearance of the first organisms on Earth. As specified, Enceladus has three key habitability factors — liquid water, an energy source, and the necessary elements with organic matter.

Astronomy magazine reported on September 15 that NASA presented an article about the Perseverance find, an unusual Cheyava Falls rock in the Jezero crater on Mars, which was discovered in 2024. It was noted that the stone contains organic molecules and minerals that are usually associated with the activity of microorganisms on Earth. Acting head of NASA Sean Duffy stressed that this find may be the clearest sign of life that has ever been discovered on the Red Planet.

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