Researchers are proposing an unusual experiment that would introduce microbial life to Enceladus, one of Saturn’s moons. And at the same time, scientists explain why it might not be possible. The study was published in the journal Space Policy. Potentially habitable worlds in the solar system are Jupiter’s moon Europa and Saturn’s moon Enceladus. They are thought to have vast oceans of liquid water beneath their icy surfaces. As for Enceladus, scientists already know that this ocean contains elements essential for life. Therefore, microorganisms could potentially live there. But what if further exploration of Enceladus with a dedicated spacecraft reveals that its subsurface ocean is lifeless? In that case, the study’s authors propose sending Earth’s microbial life there specifically to understand how living organisms spread in a lifeless but habitable world. This could tell us how the first living organisms that emerged on Earth’s ocean floors spread across our planet. Such an experiment could also provide important information about how humans might populate other worlds, and a habitable Enceladus could become a source of material for exploring the outer solar system. Scientists say existing technology could bring life to Enceladus, where conditions exist for it to thrive. Why shouldn’t we conduct an experiment on Enceladus? At the same time, scientists believe that this experiment may face deep ethical questions. If extraterrestrial life is discovered on Enceladus, it will be a revolution, and people will try to preserve it. But if there is no life there, do people have the right to conduct an experiment to populate another world with living microorganisms? Do people have the right to change the entire biosphere of another world for a period of time or forever? These questions will have to be discussed, say the authors of the study. Enceladus: Why is it a potentially habitable world? The surface of Enceladus is covered with pure water ice, which means that Saturn’s satellite is very bright, because it has an enormous reflectivity: it reflects 99% of sunlight. Enceladus’ thick icy crust hides an ocean of liquid water that is believed to cover the entire moon. Powerful jets of water vapor and ice particles constantly shoot out of cracks on Enceladus, throwing them hundreds of kilometers into space. Many organic molecules have been found in these jets, indicating that this world may be habitable. It is believed that the energy needed to maintain a liquid ocean and geological activity on Enceladus is provided by the gravitational interaction of Enceladus with Saturn and other satellites of the planet. The average temperature on the surface of Enceladus is about 200 degrees Celsius. And at depth in the ocean, the temperature is believed to be between zero and plus one degree Celsius. Temperatures at the bottom of the ocean, where hydrothermal vents are located, reach between plus 90 and plus 370 degrees Celsius, according to scientists. It is these hydrothermal vents that likely provide the energy and chemicals needed to support potential life. The post Scientists propose infecting another world in the solar system with life appeared first on Anomalien.com.