For nearly 13 years, the #Cassini probe orbited #saturn, its instruments measuring the energy and particle fluxes between the gas giant and its moons—particularly between Saturn and #Enceladus.

Analysis of the collected data revealed the existence of wave activity characteristic of #Alfvén #waves which occur when Saturn's magnetic field passes close to Enceladus. This is a first, demonstrating the long-distance influence of moons on their host planet.

More info : https://www.europlanet.org/tiny-enceladus-exercises-giant-electromagnetic-influence-at-saturn/

Enceladus is a highly active world, with a global, salty sub-surface #ocean, believed to be the source of its heat.

The presence of liquid #water, heat and the right chemicals (such as phosphorus and complex hydrocarbons) means that its sub-surface ocean could be one of the best places in our solar system for #life to have evolved outside the Earth.

A new study has provided the first evidence of significant heat flow at #Enceladus’ north pole, overturning previous assumptions that heat loss was confined to its active south pole.

This finding confirms that the icy moon is emitting far more heat than would be expected if it were simply a passive body, strengthening the case that it could support life.

The balance between heat production and loss strongly suggests that Enceladus’ ocean can remain liquid over geological timescales, offering a stable environment where life could potentially emerge.

#astrobiology
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-11-10-saturn-s-icy-moon-may-host-stable-ocean-fit-life-new-study-finds

Enceladus is a highly active world, with a global, salty sub-surface #ocean, believed to be the source of its heat.

The presence of liquid #water, heat and the right chemicals (such as phosphorus and complex hydrocarbons) means that its sub-surface ocean could be one of the best places in our solar system for #life to have evolved outside the Earth.

A new study has provided the first evidence of significant heat flow at #Enceladus’ north pole, overturning previous assumptions that heat loss was confined to its active south pole.

This finding confirms that the icy moon is emitting far more heat than would be expected if it were simply a passive body, strengthening the case that it could support life.

The balance between heat production and loss strongly suggests that Enceladus’ ocean can remain liquid over geological timescales, offering a stable environment where life could potentially emerge.

#astrobiology
https://www.ox.ac.uk/news/2025-11-10-saturn-s-icy-moon-may-host-stable-ocean-fit-life-new-study-finds