Wednesday, October 19, 2005

Dione Frigid But Geologically Active

A sister-world to Enceladus, Dione seems older and perhaps wiser, but no less interesting.
Cassini has new information on the tiny Saturnian moon after a brief 300 mile fly-by.

What scientists are beginning to understand about the Saturn moons, and the entire Saturn system for that matter, is just how much they do not know. Surprisingly to them (possibly not to sci-fi fans everywhere) the tidal forces of gravity have created warm spots in these little rocks, tectonic forces that churn up whatever minerals and gases might be trapped inside. Each one is a potential haven for mircrobial extra-terrestrial life.
If Enceladus can have an atmosphere, anything is possible.

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