Scientists have discovered new organic molecules in icy geysers shooting from Saturn’s moon Enceladus. This finding strengthens the possibility that the small ocean world may support life. The results, published Wednesday in Nature Astronomy, come from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, which flew past Enceladus in 2008.

Why Enceladus stands out

Enceladus, only 310 miles (500 kilometers) across, hides a global ocean beneath its icy surface. Water plumes erupt from cracks near the south pole and extend thousands of miles into space. Because of this, experts have long considered it one of the best places to search for life beyond Earth. However, they remain cautious. “Being habitable and being inhabited are two very different things. We believe that Enceladus is habitable, but we do not know if life is indeed present,” said Fabian Klenner of the University of Washington.

What the new study shows

The international team decided to re-examine tiny ice grains that Cassini captured during its high-speed flyby. As a result, the spacecraft’s dust analyzer received fresh particles at 40,000 mph (64,800 kph), which gave scientists a clearer look at their chemistry.

Previously, Cassini detected organic molecules in older grains that had settled into Saturn’s outer ring. Yet, those older samples raised doubts because radiation in space might have changed them. In contrast, the new grains were young and untouched. Therefore, they provided stronger proof.

Scientists found familiar molecules that confirmed the particles came from Enceladus’ hidden sea. At the same time, they also identified brand-new organic compounds.

Energy sources beneath the ocean

Researchers believe Enceladus may host hydrothermal vents on its ocean floor, similar to those in Earth’s Arctic seas. If true, these vents could provide both energy and nutrients for life. “We are confident that these molecules originate from the subsurface ocean of Enceladus, enhancing its habitability potential,” said Nozair Khawaja of the Free University of Berlin.

Likewise, Klenner added, “Having a variety of organic compounds on an extraterrestrial water world is simply phenomenal.”

Next steps in exploration

Cassini ended in 2017 when NASA deliberately plunged it into Saturn. Since then, scientists have urged new missions to return to Enceladus.

The European Space Agency has begun planning a possible lander mission for decades in the future. Meanwhile, China has also shown interest in sending a lander. At the same time, NASA is preparing the Europa Clipper mission, which will explore Jupiter’s moon Europa starting in 2030. ESA’s Juice spacecraft is already en route to Jupiter to study Europa and two other icy moons.

Outside the study, Nigel Mason of the University of Kent stressed the larger significance. “Underground oceans on moons are perhaps the best candidates for the emergence of extraterrestrial life in our solar system. This work only confirms the need for further studies,” he said.