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Updated: Mar 30, 2026

Simulation of the Planetary Interior Differentiation Processes in the Laboratory
Published on: November 15, 2013
Modelling the Interior Structure of Enceladus Based on the 2014's Cassini Gravity Data
R-S Taubner1,2, J J Leitner3,4, M G Firneis3,4
1Research Platform: ExoLife, University of Vienna, Türkenschanzstraße 17, 1180, Vienna, Austria. ruth-sophie.taubner@univie.ac.at.
Abstract:
We present a model for the internal structure of Saturn's moon Enceladus. This model allows us to estimate the physical conditions at the bottom of the satellite's potential subsurface water reservoir and to determine the radial distribution of pressure and gravity. This leads to a better understanding of the physical and chemical conditions at the water/rock boundary. This boundary is the most promising area on icy moons for astrobiological studies as it could serve as a potential habitat for extraterrestrial life similar to terrestrial microbes that inhabit rocky mounds on Earth's sea floors.
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