From its unique composition, to how it sends bits of itself into space, and more!
From its unique composition, to how it sends bits of itself into space, and more!

Join us as we reveal to you Enceladus Saturn's icy moon facts and history!
Join us as we reveal to you Enceladus Saturn's icy moon facts and history!

8.
8.

Discovery and Naming When it comes to the moons and the planets
Discovery and Naming When it comes to the moons and the planets

in space, their discovery is a key part of their history.
in space, their discovery is a key part of their history.

So who was the one who discovered Enceladus?
So who was the one who discovered Enceladus?

That would be William Herschel in 1789.
That would be William Herschel in 1789.

But just as impressively, it was during the first use of his new telescope that he got
But just as impressively, it was during the first use of his new telescope that he got

it done.
it done.

In fact, at the time, the telescope he used was the biggest in the world.
In fact, at the time, the telescope he used was the biggest in the world.

The problem though was that due to the position of the moon and how it was basically "shined
The problem though was that due to the position of the moon and how it was basically "shined

over" by the brightness of Saturn and its rings...Enceladus was difficult to observe
over" by the brightness of Saturn and its rings...Enceladus was difficult to observe

from Earth with smaller telescopes.
from Earth with smaller telescopes.

However, Herschel was in luck, as he found it during a Saturnian equinox, the first moon
However, Herschel was in luck, as he found it during a Saturnian equinox, the first moon

to be discovered that way.
to be discovered that way.

The equinox in question removed some of the "glare" from the moon so that it could indeed
The equinox in question removed some of the "glare" from the moon so that it could indeed

be spotted.
be spotted.

Prior to the Voyager missions the view of Enceladus improved little from the dot first
Prior to the Voyager missions the view of Enceladus improved little from the dot first

observed by Herschel.
observed by Herschel.

We knew general information about the moon, but not much about the nitty-gritty of what
We knew general information about the moon, but not much about the nitty-gritty of what

made it tick.
made it tick.

Thankfully we were able to get more information later on obviously.
Thankfully we were able to get more information later on obviously.

As for its title, the moon is named after the giant known as Enceladus from Greek mythology.
As for its title, the moon is named after the giant known as Enceladus from Greek mythology.

But unlike certain other moons, the naming did not stop there, not one bit.
But unlike certain other moons, the naming did not stop there, not one bit.

Because unlike other structures, scientists and researchers decided to name various aspects
Because unlike other structures, scientists and researchers decided to name various aspects

of the moon.
of the moon.

Impact craters for example were named after characters, whereas other feature types, such
Impact craters for example were named after characters, whereas other feature types, such

as fossae (long, narrow depressions), dorsa (ridges), planitiae (plains), sulci (long
as fossae (long, narrow depressions), dorsa (ridges), planitiae (plains), sulci (long

parallel grooves), and rupes (cliffs) were titled after places.
parallel grooves), and rupes (cliffs) were titled after places.

When all was said and done, 85 features on Enceladus had names.
When all was said and done, 85 features on Enceladus had names.

That's a lot of things to label.
That's a lot of things to label.

So as you can see they got a little name happy for this moon, but that just led them to detailing
So as you can see they got a little name happy for this moon, but that just led them to detailing

it even more so it may have just worked out that way for them.
it even more so it may have just worked out that way for them.

7.
7.

Shooting Into Space In 2005 something rather special was found
Shooting Into Space In 2005 something rather special was found

out about Enceladus.
out about Enceladus.

Specifically, NASA’s Cassini spacecraft discovered that icy water particles and gas
Specifically, NASA’s Cassini spacecraft discovered that icy water particles and gas

gush from the moon’s surface at approximately 800 miles per hour.
gush from the moon’s surface at approximately 800 miles per hour.

Not something you'd expect from a moon.
Not something you'd expect from a moon.

From a planet?
From a planet?

Yes.
Yes.

But a moon?
But a moon?

Not so much.
Not so much.

But it wasn't just that it was shooting into space, it was doing so at quite a rate to
But it wasn't just that it was shooting into space, it was doing so at quite a rate to

where it was actually reaching the outer layers of the moon, so much so that it supplies material
where it was actually reaching the outer layers of the moon, so much so that it supplies material

to Saturn's E-ring.
to Saturn's E-ring.

Only a small fraction of the material ends up in the ring, however, with most of it falling
Only a small fraction of the material ends up in the ring, however, with most of it falling

like snow back to the moon’s surface, and that is a big reason why the moon is such
like snow back to the moon’s surface, and that is a big reason why the moon is such

a bright color of white.
a bright color of white.

A curious thing indeed, "filling" up a ring with some of the plume, and making the moon
A curious thing indeed, "filling" up a ring with some of the plume, and making the moon

bright white with the other.
bright white with the other.

Again, not something you'd expect from a moon.
Again, not something you'd expect from a moon.

The water jets come from relatively warm fractures in the crust.
The water jets come from relatively warm fractures in the crust.

Several gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, perhaps a little ammonia
Several gases, including water vapor, carbon dioxide, methane, perhaps a little ammonia

and either carbon monoxide or nitrogen gas make up the gaseous envelope of the plume,
and either carbon monoxide or nitrogen gas make up the gaseous envelope of the plume,

along with salts and silica.
along with salts and silica.

Just as curious to those studying it, the gasses are much denser than they first guessed.
Just as curious to those studying it, the gasses are much denser than they first guessed.

Adding more mystery to everything involved.
Adding more mystery to everything involved.

If you're curious how these plumes really form, that's because there is an ocean in
If you're curious how these plumes really form, that's because there is an ocean in

Enceladus that supplies the jets.
Enceladus that supplies the jets.

Which is important to note because now scientist are trying to study the E ring of Saturn in
Which is important to note because now scientist are trying to study the E ring of Saturn in

order to study the waters of the moon.
order to study the waters of the moon.

Within the ice droplets that make it to the E ring are peculiar nanograins of silica,
Within the ice droplets that make it to the E ring are peculiar nanograins of silica,

which can only be generated where liquid water and rock interact at temperatures above about
which can only be generated where liquid water and rock interact at temperatures above about

200 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius).
200 degrees Fahrenheit (90 degrees Celsius).

What does that all mean?
What does that all mean?

It means that hydrothermal vents might be underneath the moons surface.
It means that hydrothermal vents might be underneath the moons surface.

If that sounds familiar, it's because we have similar vents on Earth.
If that sounds familiar, it's because we have similar vents on Earth.

Ours though happen to be on the ocean floor.
Ours though happen to be on the ocean floor.

“Enceladus discoveries have changed the direction of planetary science,” said Linda
“Enceladus discoveries have changed the direction of planetary science,” said Linda

Spilker, Cassini project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Spilker, Cassini project scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

“Multiple discoveries have increased our understanding of Enceladus, including the
“Multiple discoveries have increased our understanding of Enceladus, including the

plume venting from its south pole; hydrocarbons in the plume; a global, salty ocean and hydrothermal
plume venting from its south pole; hydrocarbons in the plume; a global, salty ocean and hydrothermal

vents on the seafloor.
vents on the seafloor.

They all point to the possibility of a habitable ocean world well beyond Earth’s habitable
They all point to the possibility of a habitable ocean world well beyond Earth’s habitable

zone.
zone.

Planetary scientists now have Enceladus to consider as a possible habitat for life.”
Planetary scientists now have Enceladus to consider as a possible habitat for life.”

Which is a big deal, because in the large scale of our solar system, there aren't many
Which is a big deal, because in the large scale of our solar system, there aren't many

places that can be openly considered as "possible habitats", that even includes Mars to an extent
places that can be openly considered as "possible habitats", that even includes Mars to an extent

because humanity has a lot of work to do to truly make it a viable place to live.
because humanity has a lot of work to do to truly make it a viable place to live.

But because of the potential ocean in Enceladus, that changes things dramatic, and more thought
But because of the potential ocean in Enceladus, that changes things dramatic, and more thought

will be put into the study of this moon.
will be put into the study of this moon.

6.
6.

Exploration of Enceladus Given the overall findings and importance
Exploration of Enceladus Given the overall findings and importance

of the moon, it's not surprising that we've sent many craft to go and study Enceladus
of the moon, it's not surprising that we've sent many craft to go and study Enceladus

in various ways.
in various ways.

The two Voyager spacecraft were the first to get close-up images of Enceladus.
The two Voyager spacecraft were the first to get close-up images of Enceladus.

Voyager 1 did it in 1980.
Voyager 1 did it in 1980.

The pictures received weren't the best, but they revealed a highly reflective surface
The pictures received weren't the best, but they revealed a highly reflective surface

devoid of impact craters, meaning that the surface might be "young" in terms of the scale
devoid of impact craters, meaning that the surface might be "young" in terms of the scale

of the solar system.
of the solar system.

Voyager 2 followed up on that 1981, and got closer to the moon than the previous attempt.
Voyager 2 followed up on that 1981, and got closer to the moon than the previous attempt.

Thus we got more clear images, which helped really show what the moon was like.
Thus we got more clear images, which helped really show what the moon was like.

They also revealed a surface with different regions with vastly different surface ages,
They also revealed a surface with different regions with vastly different surface ages,

with a heavily cratered mid- to high-northern latitude region, and a lightly cratered region
with a heavily cratered mid- to high-northern latitude region, and a lightly cratered region

closer to the equator.
closer to the equator.

These finds also conflict with what other moons of Saturn have, raising various questions
These finds also conflict with what other moons of Saturn have, raising various questions

yet to be answered.
yet to be answered.

Because they couldn't figure out how such diversity could come to the surface of a moon
Because they couldn't figure out how such diversity could come to the surface of a moon

like this and be so different from others.
like this and be so different from others.

The answers to many remaining mysteries of Enceladus had to wait until the arrival of
The answers to many remaining mysteries of Enceladus had to wait until the arrival of

the Cassini spacecraft in 2004, when it entered orbit around Saturn.
the Cassini spacecraft in 2004, when it entered orbit around Saturn.

Enceladus was considered a priority target by the Cassini mission planners due to past
Enceladus was considered a priority target by the Cassini mission planners due to past

runs with the probes from before.
runs with the probes from before.

Their results yielded even MORE information about the moon, these discoveries prompted
Their results yielded even MORE information about the moon, these discoveries prompted

the adjustment of Cassini's flight plan to allow closer flybys of Enceladus, including
the adjustment of Cassini's flight plan to allow closer flybys of Enceladus, including

an encounter in March 2008 that took it to within just 48 km of the surface.
an encounter in March 2008 that took it to within just 48 km of the surface.

Seven flybys of the moon happened between July 2008 and July 2010.
Seven flybys of the moon happened between July 2008 and July 2010.

Confirmation of molecular hydrogen (H2) would be an independent line of evidence that hydrothermal
Confirmation of molecular hydrogen (H2) would be an independent line of evidence that hydrothermal

activity is taking place in the Enceladus seafloor, increasing its habitability.
activity is taking place in the Enceladus seafloor, increasing its habitability.

By contrast, the water thought to be on Jupiter's moon Europa is located under a much thicker
By contrast, the water thought to be on Jupiter's moon Europa is located under a much thicker

layer of ice.
layer of ice.

Which would be problematic to be reach, and produce life.
Which would be problematic to be reach, and produce life.

Before we continue to talk about this moon, be sure to like or dislike the video so that
Before we continue to talk about this moon, be sure to like or dislike the video so that

we can continue to improve our videos for you the viewer!
we can continue to improve our videos for you the viewer!

Also, be sure to subscribe to the channel so that you don't miss any of our weekly videos!
Also, be sure to subscribe to the channel so that you don't miss any of our weekly videos!

5.
5.

Orbits and Rotation Enceladus orbits Saturn every 32.9 hours,
Orbits and Rotation Enceladus orbits Saturn every 32.9 hours,

fast enough for its motion to be observed over a single night of observation.
fast enough for its motion to be observed over a single night of observation.

Very helpful for the scientists wanting to learn more about it.
Very helpful for the scientists wanting to learn more about it.

Like most of Saturn's larger satellites, Enceladus rotates always has one face pointed toward
Like most of Saturn's larger satellites, Enceladus rotates always has one face pointed toward

Saturn.
Saturn.

Unlike Earth's Moon, Enceladus does not appear to liberate more than 1.5° about its spin
Unlike Earth's Moon, Enceladus does not appear to liberate more than 1.5° about its spin

axis.
axis.

However, analysis of the shape of Enceladus suggests that at some point it was in a 1:4
However, analysis of the shape of Enceladus suggests that at some point it was in a 1:4

forced secondary spin–orbit libration.
forced secondary spin–orbit libration.

4.
4.

Surface Voyager 2 was the first spacecraft to observe
Surface Voyager 2 was the first spacecraft to observe

Enceladus's surface in detail as noted earlier.
Enceladus's surface in detail as noted earlier.

Because of that we know that there are five different types of terrain on the moon.
Because of that we know that there are five different types of terrain on the moon.

Possibly even more that might have been missed.
Possibly even more that might have been missed.

Including several regions of cratered terrain, regions of smooth terrain, and lanes of ridged
Including several regions of cratered terrain, regions of smooth terrain, and lanes of ridged

terrain often bordering the smooth areas.
terrain often bordering the smooth areas.

In addition, extensive linear cracks and scarps were observed.
In addition, extensive linear cracks and scarps were observed.

So also as noted, it's a diversity rarely seen before, which makes it all the more exciting
So also as noted, it's a diversity rarely seen before, which makes it all the more exciting

to those who want to learn more about it.
to those who want to learn more about it.

Given the relative lack of craters on the smooth plains, these regions are probably
Given the relative lack of craters on the smooth plains, these regions are probably

less than a few hundred million years old.
less than a few hundred million years old.

The fresh, clean ice that dominates its surface gives Enceladus the most reflective surface
The fresh, clean ice that dominates its surface gives Enceladus the most reflective surface

of any body in the Solar System, with a visual geometric albedo of 1.38.
of any body in the Solar System, with a visual geometric albedo of 1.38.

Because it reflects so much sunlight, its surface only reaches a mean noon temperature
Because it reflects so much sunlight, its surface only reaches a mean noon temperature

of −198 °C (−324 °F), somewhat colder than other Saturnian satellites.
of −198 °C (−324 °F), somewhat colder than other Saturnian satellites.

Yet that makes sense as we are warm here on Earth because we only partially reflect away
Yet that makes sense as we are warm here on Earth because we only partially reflect away

the suns light and warmth as we don't have a reflective surface as intense as this moon
the suns light and warmth as we don't have a reflective surface as intense as this moon

of Saturn.
of Saturn.

Numerous fractures were found within the older, cratered terrain on Eceladus, suggesting that
Numerous fractures were found within the older, cratered terrain on Eceladus, suggesting that

the surface has been subjected to extensive deformation since the craters were formed.
the surface has been subjected to extensive deformation since the craters were formed.

Some areas contain no craters, indicating major resurfacing events in the geologically
Some areas contain no craters, indicating major resurfacing events in the geologically

recent past.
recent past.

There are fissures, plains, corrugated terrain and other crustal deformations.
There are fissures, plains, corrugated terrain and other crustal deformations.

There are parts of the moon though that are a bit odd, such as the bizarre terrain near
There are parts of the moon though that are a bit odd, such as the bizarre terrain near

the south pole which wasn't able to get fully imaged by the passing poles.
the south pole which wasn't able to get fully imaged by the passing poles.

All of this indicates that Enceladus's interior is liquid today, even though it should have
All of this indicates that Enceladus's interior is liquid today, even though it should have

been frozen long ago.
been frozen long ago.

Further suggesting a rather odd history and origin (more on that in a bit).
Further suggesting a rather odd history and origin (more on that in a bit).

While this may not seem interesting, knowing how the surface of a moon (or even a planet)
While this may not seem interesting, knowing how the surface of a moon (or even a planet)

is formed and affected by things in space is important in understanding its history.
is formed and affected by things in space is important in understanding its history.

We're still learning things about Mars because of things that keep being found on the surface.
We're still learning things about Mars because of things that keep being found on the surface.

3.
3.

Shape and Size To be honest, this moon is a rather small
Shape and Size To be honest, this moon is a rather small

satellite composed of ice and rock.
satellite composed of ice and rock.

It is a scalene ellipsoid in shape; with it being 513 km between the sub- and anti-Saturnian
It is a scalene ellipsoid in shape; with it being 513 km between the sub- and anti-Saturnian

poles, 503 km between the leading and trailing hemispheres, and 497 km between the north
poles, 503 km between the leading and trailing hemispheres, and 497 km between the north

and south poles.
and south poles.

Enceladus is only one-seventh the diameter of Earth's Moon.
Enceladus is only one-seventh the diameter of Earth's Moon.

It ranks sixth in both mass and size among the satellites of Saturn.
It ranks sixth in both mass and size among the satellites of Saturn.

Yet that hasn't stopped it from being viewed as one of the more important moons of Saturn.
Yet that hasn't stopped it from being viewed as one of the more important moons of Saturn.

2.
2.

Paradoxical Origin Aside from its unique surface, there is a
Paradoxical Origin Aside from its unique surface, there is a

bit of a debate as to how Enceladus actually formed, and how it's so different from another
bit of a debate as to how Enceladus actually formed, and how it's so different from another

moon near it...Mimas.
moon near it...Mimas.

Mimas, the innermost of the round moons of Saturn, is a geologically dead body, even
Mimas, the innermost of the round moons of Saturn, is a geologically dead body, even

though it should experience stronger tidal forces than Enceladus.
though it should experience stronger tidal forces than Enceladus.

This apparent paradox can be explained in part by temperature-dependent properties of
This apparent paradox can be explained in part by temperature-dependent properties of

water ice.
water ice.

Some predictions state that in regards to Enceladus, there are various temperature states
Some predictions state that in regards to Enceladus, there are various temperature states

that would work to keep the moon stable.
that would work to keep the moon stable.

From a low convection temperature to a much higher one.
From a low convection temperature to a much higher one.

But this is just one phase of the paradox itself.
But this is just one phase of the paradox itself.

Because Mimas is the other half, and according to models, only a low-energy state is expected
Because Mimas is the other half, and according to models, only a low-energy state is expected

to be stable.
to be stable.

Even though unlike its counterpart, it's much closer to Saturn.
Even though unlike its counterpart, it's much closer to Saturn.

So the model predicts a low-internal-temperature state for Mimas but a possible higher-temperature
So the model predicts a low-internal-temperature state for Mimas but a possible higher-temperature

state for Enceladus.
state for Enceladus.

So thus you have the paradox because many aren't sure how Enceladus was able to enter
So thus you have the paradox because many aren't sure how Enceladus was able to enter

the high energy state that it's currently in.
the high energy state that it's currently in.

It defies many forms of logic.
It defies many forms of logic.

The significantly higher density of Enceladus relative to Mimas has also been cited as an
The significantly higher density of Enceladus relative to Mimas has also been cited as an

important factor in resolving the Mimas paradox.
important factor in resolving the Mimas paradox.

It has been suggested that for an icy satellite the size of Mimas or Enceladus to enter an
It has been suggested that for an icy satellite the size of Mimas or Enceladus to enter an

'excited state' of tidal heating and convection, it would need to enter an orbital resonance
'excited state' of tidal heating and convection, it would need to enter an orbital resonance

before it lost too much of its primordial internal heat.
before it lost too much of its primordial internal heat.

Mimas is of course smaller than Enceladus, and thus would have a much shorter window
Mimas is of course smaller than Enceladus, and thus would have a much shorter window

to cool down, thus adding even more mystery to the paradox.
to cool down, thus adding even more mystery to the paradox.

When we'll find out the answer to this mystery is unclear, but many theories have been proposed.
When we'll find out the answer to this mystery is unclear, but many theories have been proposed.

1.
1.

Future Exploration As you can see, Enceladus has gotten many
Future Exploration As you can see, Enceladus has gotten many

researchers and scientists excited about what this moon could mean not just for the study
researchers and scientists excited about what this moon could mean not just for the study

of the solar system, but also for the growth of humanity in the solar system expansion
of the solar system, but also for the growth of humanity in the solar system expansion

that is being planned.
that is being planned.

So thus, many more missions are aiming to learn more about it.
So thus, many more missions are aiming to learn more about it.

Such missions include a lander by the German Aerospace Center to study the habitability
Such missions include a lander by the German Aerospace Center to study the habitability

potential of its subsurface ocean.
potential of its subsurface ocean.

The European Space Agency (ESA) was assessing concepts in 2008 to send a probe to Enceladus
The European Space Agency (ESA) was assessing concepts in 2008 to send a probe to Enceladus

in a mission to be combined with studies of Titan: Titan Saturn System Mission (TSSM).
in a mission to be combined with studies of Titan: Titan Saturn System Mission (TSSM).

Though obviously those didn't come to be, mainly because the project was competing for
Though obviously those didn't come to be, mainly because the project was competing for

funding with another project.
funding with another project.

In November 2017, Russian billionaire Yuri Milner expressed interest in funding a "low-cost,
In November 2017, Russian billionaire Yuri Milner expressed interest in funding a "low-cost,

privately funded mission to Enceladus which can be launched relatively soon."
privately funded mission to Enceladus which can be launched relatively soon."

NASA also had their own mission they wanted to do to send a craft to the moon.
NASA also had their own mission they wanted to do to send a craft to the moon.

Yet...it hasn't happened yet.
Yet...it hasn't happened yet.

Yet.
Yet.

But, it's clear that many want to study these waters to see what it could mean for us in
But, it's clear that many want to study these waters to see what it could mean for us in

the future.
the future.

Because if something incredible is found, it could change even more how we view certain
Because if something incredible is found, it could change even more how we view certain

moons in our solar system.
moons in our solar system.

As well as seeing whether we might want to try and land people on there in the future.
As well as seeing whether we might want to try and land people on there in the future.

Thanks for watching!
Thanks for watching!

What did you think of this look at Enceladus and what it might mean for the solar system
What did you think of this look at Enceladus and what it might mean for the solar system

as a whole?
as a whole?

Were you shocked to hear that this moon has an ocean that could support life?
Were you shocked to hear that this moon has an ocean that could support life?

Do you think we'll ever get to see a colony there or a proof of life found there?
Do you think we'll ever get to see a colony there or a proof of life found there?

Let us know in the comments below, be sure to subscribe, and I'll see you next time on
Let us know in the comments below, be sure to subscribe, and I'll see you next time on

the channel!
the channel!