Cassini Zeros in on Daring Dive into Enceladus' Plumes
Source: Discovery News
Cassini Zeros in on Daring Dive into Enceladus' Plumes
OCT 27, 2015 03:00 PM ET // BY IRENE KLOTZ
NASA's Saturn-orbiting Cassini spacecraft is on track for a deep but quick plunge through plumes of water vapor shooting out hundreds of miles into space from the planets small, ocean-bearing moon Enceladus.
Cassini, which has been surveying the Saturn system for 11 years, will fly as close as 30 miles above the moons southern polar region, about 20 miles closer than any previous pass through the plumes.
Scientists believe the plumes stem from a global liquid ocean that is sealed beneath Enceladus icy face. They suspect tidal heating is responsible for the ocean, a process which also may mean the interior of Enceladus is suitable for life.
Cassini does not have life-detection instruments, but the flyby, which will take place at around 1 p.m. EDT on Wednesday, is expected to provide key details that will help scientists assess whether Enceladus is a suitable habitat for life.
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Read more: http://news.discovery.com/space/alien-life-exoplanets/cassini-zeros-in-on-daring-dive-into-enceladus-plumes-151027.htm