2024-02-13 04:11:27
PrintShare
The discovery of an ocean on Saturn’s moon Mimas provides researchers with rare insights, including into the origins of life.
Frankfurt – Saturn is the second largest planet in our solar system and is orbited by 145 moons. However, one of them is different from many other moons. Its size does not make it stand out, as it is only the seventh largest moon of Saturn. What makes Mimas special is what it probably contains – an ocean. There have already been hints of a hidden ocean world in the solar system in the past.
In the trade magazine Nature A study has now been published that provides new insights into the lunar ocean. But the discovery also raises an old question: Is life possible outside of Earth?
Saturn’s moon Mimas in front of its planet’s rings, photographed by NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. The numerous craters on its surface are clearly visible. What cannot be seen in the images, however, is that Mimas could be home to an underground ocean. (Archive image) © imago/StockTrek Images
Discovery makes Mimas a “prime candidate for exploring the origin of life”
Researchers had already suspected that there was an ocean beneath the surface of Mima. The discovery proves that even smaller moons can contain oceans. This changes the understanding of potential life outside Earth, because conditions conducive to life can exist in the oceans. The researchers therefore hope that the discovery will provide rare insights into the origins of life.
“The existence of a recently formed liquid water ocean makes Mimas a prime candidate for studying the origin of life,” explained Dr. Nick Cooper in a press release. He is a co-author of the study and works at Queen Mary University of London.
Rare discovery on Saturn’s moon Mimas: “Exclusive club of moons with inner oceans”
The discovery of the lunar ocean amazed the researchers. “Mimas is a small moon, only about 400 kilometers across, and its heavily cratered surface gave no indication of the ocean hidden beneath,” Cooper said. “With this discovery, Mimas joins an exclusive club of moons with inner oceans,” he continues. But there is another special feature. “Its ocean is remarkably young, estimated to be only 5 to 15 million years old.”
Life on Saturn’s moons
While the discovery of the ocean on Mimas is a rarity, it is not the only Satrun moon to raise questions about the potential for life. Saturn’s moon Enceladus may also be life-friendly, which is why it is hoped that it will provide important insights into the origins of life.
Saturn’s Moon Mimas: Irregular Orbit Indicates Ocean
The age of the lunar ocean was determined through a thorough analysis of the tidal interactions of the moon Mimas with its planet Saturn. The researchers received the analysis data from NASA’s Cassini space probe, which examined Saturn and its moons for more than ten years. The results of the analysis found an irregularity in the orbit of Saturn’s moon, which, according to the researchers, can be attributed to the formation of the ocean. From the exact changes in Mimas’ orbit, the researchers were also able to determine the size and depth of the ocean.
Research recently made findings not only about Saturn’s moons, but also about the planet itself. Researchers found that Saturn’s rings will disappear.
1707798570
#Saturns #moon #Mimas #ocean #Surface #gave #indication