Microorganisms Could Thrive in Enceladus' Ocean
Two studies published in Science Advances suggest that certain microorganisms could survive and even thrive in the conditions of Enceladus' subsurface ocean. The first study, led by Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich, found that the archaeon Methanothermococcus okinawensis could grow and produce methane in a simulated Enceladus environment. The second study, also involving the Free University of Berlin, found that the composition of Enceladus' plumes makes it easier to detect potential signs of life. Enceladus, Saturn's moon, is considered one of the most promising places to search for extraterrestrial life due to its suspected global ocean of liquid water.17 sourcesSee all sources