Hydrogen cyanide found in Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus

Source: The post is based on the article “Hydrogen cyanide found in Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus” published in “PIB” on 15th December 2023

Why in the News?

Based on data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft, scientists have found Hydrogen Cyanide in the oceans of Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

What have the scientists found on Saturn’s moon Enceladus?

1) Researchers have re-analysed data from the Cassini spacecraft which orbited Saturn from 2004 to 2017.

2) They detected hydrogen cyanide along with methanol, ethane, and oxygen in the plumes of water vapour erupting from the surface of Enceladus.

3) This suggests that Enceladus subsurface oceans may possess more chemical energy than previously thought, potentially supporting the creation and persistence of complex organic compounds.

4) These findings also strengthen the case for the Enceladus habitability, indicating that it may contain essential molecules for life and provide insights into the formation of complex biomolecules.

What is Enceladus?

1) Enceladus is one of Saturn’s 146 moons. It has a white, icy surface made of water ice covering a warmer, salty ocean underneath.

2) It’s about 500 km wide and has a freezing surface temperature of -200°C.

3) Enceladus is also an active source of water volcanism, ejecting plumes of water, ice, dust and gases into space. These materials contribute to the Saturn’s rings.

What is Hydrogen cyanide (HCN)?

1) Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) is a colourless chemical compound composed of hydrogen, carbon, and nitrogen atoms.

2) It is highly toxic as it interferes with the body’s use of oxygen and may cause harm to the brain, heart, blood vessels and lungs.

3) It is used commercially for fumigation, electroplating, mining, chemical synthesis, and the production of synthetic fibres, plastics, dyes and pesticides.

What is Cassini Spacecraft?

Click Here to read

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology