Cassini finds molecular hydrogen in the Enceladus plume: Evidence for hydrothermal processes

Title	Cassini finds molecular hydrogen in the Enceladus plume: Evidence for hydrothermal processes
Authors	J. Hunter Waite, Christopher R. Glein, Rebecca S. Perryman, Ben D. Teolis, Brian A. Magee, Greg Miller, Jacob Grimes, Mark E. Perry, Kelly E. Miller, Alexis Bouquet, Jonathan I. Lunine, Tim Brockwell, Scott J. Bolton
Magazine	Science
Date	04/13/2017
DOI	10.1126/science.aai8703
Introduction	Observations by the Cassini spacecraft revealed the presence of molecular hydrogen (H2) within the plume emanating from Saturn’s moon Enceladus. This H2 is understood to originate from geochemical interactions occurring between the moon's core and its subsurface ocean. A chemical thermodynamics model indicates that the measured H2 concentration in the plume is consistent with active hydrothermal reactions taking place on the seafloor of Enceladus's ocean. These processes resemble terrestrial hydrothermal vents, where H2 serves as a vital chemical energy source for various forms of microbial life. The presence of H2 suggests that Enceladus possesses a continuous supply of chemical energy, potentially capable of sustaining life within its ocean.
Quote	J. Hunter Waite, Christopher R. Glein and Rebecca S. Perryman et al. Cassini finds molecular hydrogen in the Enceladus plume: Evidence for hydrothermal processes. Science. 2017. Vol. 356(6334):155-159. DOI: 10.1126/science.aai8703
Element	Hydrogen (H) , Oxygen (O)
Industry	Space , Research & Laboratory

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