A study using Cassini NASA Solar System data shows that there may be much more chemical energy on Saturn's small moon than previously thought, as well as evidence for a key ingredient for life. We knew that Enceladus spewed water rich in ice grains and organic compounds from a giant ejecta - some of which were important for life. New analyses have found strong confirmation of hydrogen cyanide, a key molecule for the origin of life.

That's not all; researchers have found evidence of an ocean hiding beneath the Moon's icy outer crust, which also supports the giant plume with a supercharged energy source. The source, unidentified in this study, is in the form of various organic compounds, some of which serve as fuel for organisms on Earth.

More chemical energy is being formed on Saturn's small moon than previously thought. The more energy available, the more likely it is that life can proliferate and be sustained.

Image description:

The bright reflective moon Enceladus appears in front of Saturn's rings, while the larger moon Titan looms in the distance. Enceladus (313 miles or 504 kilometres across) is in the centre of the image. Titan (3,200 miles or 5,150 kilometres across) is faintly visible in the background beyond the rings. This view looks at the anti-Saturn side of Enceladus and the Saturn-facing side of Titan. The northern, sunlit side of the rings is seen just above the ring plane.