Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus has long stood out as one of the most intriguing places in the solar system in the search for life beyond Earth. Beneath its frozen crust lies a global ocean of salty liquid water, and geyser-like plumes blast material from that hidden sea into space—offering scientists an unusually accessible glimpse of an extraterrestrial world. Now, new research adds another piece to the puzzle.
In laboratory experiments designed to mimic the harsh conditions thought to exist in Enceladus’ underground ocean, researchers have found that microbes from Earth can survive. The result does not mean that life has been found on Enceladus—but it strengthens the case that its...
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