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Illustration of a geyser erupting on the surface of Enceladus
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Illustration of a geyser erupting on the surface of Enceladus
Illustration of a geyser erupting on the surface of Enceladus. Liquid water reaches the surface of Enceladus south pole and drives a massive plume of ice crystals into the sky. The combination of Enceladus low surface gravity and the geysers force accelerate the crystals to escape velocity, where sunlight breaks the water molecules down into their constituent atoms of hydrogen and oxygen. Saturn itself appears low on the horizon due to the proximity to Enceladus pole. The small object immediately to Saturns left is another icy moon named Mimas. Somewhat smaller than Enceladus and closer to Saturn, Mimas sprints around Saturn in slightly less than one Earth day.
In March 2006 NASAs Cassini probe revealed evidence of water-driven geysers on the surface of Enceladus. At first glance Enceladus doesn t seem to be a likely host for liquid water as the surface is extremely cold, about -330A F. However, tidal forces from Saturns massive gravity alternately pull and push on Enceladus interior, creating enough heat to melt the water ice immediately beneath the surface. This heated water is believed to periodically erupt like a volcano, a process known as cryovolcanism
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Media ID 13057677
© Walter Myers/Stocktrek Images
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This print captures the mesmerizing sight of a geyser erupting on the surface of Enceladus, one of Saturn's icy moons. The image showcases the sheer power and beauty of nature as liquid water from beneath Enceladus' frozen crust shoots up into space, forming a magnificent plume of ice crystals against the backdrop of Saturn low on the horizon. Enceladus, despite its frigid temperatures, surprises scientists with its hidden potential for hosting liquid water. Tidal forces generated by Saturn's immense gravitational pull create enough heat to melt the water ice just below Enceladus' surface. This phenomenon, known as cryovolcanism, results in periodic eruptions akin to volcanic activity on Earth. The photograph also reveals another moon named Mimas positioned near Saturn's left side. Comparatively smaller than Enceladus and orbiting closer to Saturn, Mimas completes its journey around the gas giant in less than 24 hours. Taken by NASA's Cassini probe in March 2006, this image provides crucial evidence supporting the existence of these extraordinary geysers on Enceladus. As sunlight breaks down water molecules released from these geysers into their constituent atoms of hydrogen and oxygen, it adds an ethereal touch to this otherworldly scene. Walter Myers skillfully captured this awe-inspiring moment through his lens for Stocktrek Images - a testament to both his artistic talent and our ongoing fascination with celestial wonders beyond our own planet.
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