James Webb telescope unveils enormous geyser erupting water into space from Saturn's moon

While it is not the first time scientists have observed Enceladus spewing water, the James Webb Telescope's broader perspective and heightened sensitivity have unveiled a startling revelation: the vapor jets shoot much deeper into space than previously imagined. In fact, they extend many times farther than the width of Enceladus itself. To put it into perspective, Enceladus has a diameter of approximately 313 miles (504 kilometers).

The discovery of Enceladus

Scientists initially became aware of Enceladus' watery outbursts in 2005 when NASA's Cassini spacecraft captured the sight of icy particles bursting through lunar cracks known as "tiger stripes." According to NASA, the intensity of these eruptions is so great that the ejected material contributes to forming Enceladus, one of Saturn's iconic rings.

Upon closer analysis, researchers discovered that these jets contain methane, carbon dioxide, and ammonia, which are organic molecules containing the essential building blocks for life.

A team of international researchers proposed in a study published last year in The Planetary Science Journal that some of these gases may have been generated by life itself, emanating from the depths beneath Enceladus' surface.

The presence of water further strengthens the case for potential life on this intriguing moon. Enceladus is completely covered in a thick layer of water ice, but measurements of its rotation indicate the existence of a vast ocean hidden beneath the frozen crust.

Scientists believe that the sprays of water detected by JWST and Cassini originate from hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, a hypothesis supported by the presence of silica, a common component of planetary crusts, in the vapor plumes.

In light of these groundbreaking discoveries, NASA scientists are actively discussing future missions to explore the possibility of life on Enceladus. One proposed mission, the Enceladus Orbilander, involves orbiting the moon for approximately six months, flying through its watery plumes, and collecting samples. The spacecraft would then become a lander, descending onto the icy moon's surface.

Equipped with state-of-the-art instruments to weigh and analyze molecules, a DNA sequencer, a microscope, cameras, radio sounders, and lasers to scan the moon's surface remotely, the Enceladus Orbilander promises to unveil even more secrets, as reported by The Planetary Society.

With each passing revelation, Enceladus becomes an even more compelling destination for scientific exploration. The tantalizing possibility of life existing within the depths of this icy moon is driving scientists to push the boundaries of space exploration further than ever. As the James Webb Space Telescope continues to unveil the secrets of our universe, the prospects of discovering extraterrestrial life become increasingly within our grasp.