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