Scientists find hydrogen cyanide, key molecule for life formation, in Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus

Last Updated20/12/2023

Scientists analyzing data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft have discovered hydrogen cyanide in the oceans of Saturn's icy moon, Enceladus.

Launched by NASA in 1997, it orbited Saturn from 2004 to 2017.
Measured the structure of Saturn’s atmosphere and rings, as well as how they interact with the planet’s moons.
Discovered six named moons and revealed Enceladus and Titan as promising locations to search for extraterrestrial life.

Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons, features a white, streaky surface made of water ice.
Beneath the frozen crust lies a warmer, salty ocean covering the entire moon.
The moon is characterized by its active water volcanism, where plumes of water, ice, dust, and gases are ejected into space, contributing to the replenishment of one of Saturn's rings.

Detection of hydrogen cyanide, along with other compounds like methanol, ethane, and oxygen, indicates a more diverse and dynamic ocean chemistry.
The presence of hydrogen cyanide suggests the existence of unidentified energy sources within the moon.
It indicates the potential for more powerful energy processes than those associated with previously detected biosignature molecules like methane.
Higher energy levels can contribute to the formation of complex and versatile molecules, playing a role in the origins of life.

The presence of organic molecules and hydrogen cyanide strengthens the case for Enceladus's habitability.
The moon's oceans are known to contain essential compounds for life, and the discovery adds evidence supporting its potential to host life.
The study suggests that Enceladus meets basic requirements for habitability and may have the necessary elements for the formation of complex biomolecules.
Future Studies are expected to provide more detailed information about the moon's composition and current conditions.