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Enceladus' water vapor plume
Candice J Hansen1, L Esposito, A I F Stewart
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory/California Institute of Technology, 4800 Oak Grove Drive, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA. Candice.j.Hansen@jpl.nasa.gov
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 11, 2006
Summary
Cassini observations confirmed a water vapor plume on Enceladus, originating from its south pole. This plume is a significant source for Saturn's E ring and the surrounding space environment.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Astrobiology
- Space Physics
Background:
- Saturn's moon Enceladus has been a target of interest due to potential subsurface oceans.
- The Cassini spacecraft provided unprecedented data on the Saturnian system.
Purpose of the Study:
- To confirm the existence and characteristics of a water vapor plume on Enceladus.
- To determine the source and composition of the plume.
- To assess the plume's contribution to Saturn's environment.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of stellar occultation data from Cassini's UltraViolet Imaging Spectrograph.
- Three close flybys of Enceladus in 2005.
- Spectroscopic analysis to determine plume composition.
Main Results:
- Confirmation of a water vapor plume in Enceladus's south polar region.
- Identification of the plume's composition and regionally confined nature.
- Evidence that the plume resupplies Saturn's E ring and is a source of neutral OH and atomic oxygen.
Conclusions:
- Enceladus is an active source of water vapor and other gases.
- The south polar plume plays a crucial role in the dynamics of the Saturnian system.
- These findings support Enceladus as a key target in the search for extraterrestrial life.
