PROFILEMoon of Saturn
Plumes from below
Cassini observed jets containing water vapour and ice particles. Measurements support the existence of an ocean beneath the icy crust.
Why scientists are interested
The plumes offer a way to study material from the interior without drilling through the ice. Water and chemical ingredients make Enceladus interesting for habitability research, but do not prove that life exists.
FACTS TO EXPLORE
ORBITAL PERIODabout 1.4 days
LOCATIONMoon of Saturn
Values are rounded. AU means astronomical unit. NASA source ↗
