Does life exist outside Earth? Scientists have found perhaps the most promising signs of life on 121, Saturn’s sixth-largest Moon. Data from NASA’s retired Cassini spacecraft reveals the presence of phosphate, a key element for the existence of life, on the Moon. Scientists say the phosphates are not trapped in rocky minerals but are dissolved as salts in the Moon’s liquid ocean water.
It has already been observed that the icy surface of Enceladus has long, serpentine-like fissures that eject smoke made of ice grains and water vapour. Last month, researchers revealed that they had detected a large plume coming from the south pole of Enceladus that could be a sign of life. Enceladus is one of the few places in our solar system other than Earth and Jupiter’s Moon (Europa) where liquid water exists, which has interested astronomers.
Giant Leap In The ‘Discovery Of Life’
This ocean of salty liquid water is sandwiched between the Moon’s rocky core and a white ice shell at least 12 miles thick. Surprisingly, phosphorus has not yet been detected anywhere except in Earth’s oceans. According to experts at the Freie University in Berlin who led the new research, our solar system’s ‘search for life’ has taken a giant leap forward.
Phosphate Helps In Plant Growth
‘Previous geochemical models were divided on whether Enceladus’ ocean contained large amounts of phosphate,’ said Professor Frank Postberg at Frei University. He said that the new measurements leave no doubt that substantial amounts of the substance are present in ocean water. Phosphate is a natural phosphorus source, providing about a quarter of all the nutrients plants need for their growth and development.
