"Surprising Discovery: Saturn's 'Death Star' Moon Mimas Hides Vast Ocean Beneath Surface"

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Source: USA TODAY
"Surprising Discovery: Saturn's 'Death Star' Moon Mimas Hides Vast Ocean Beneath Surface"
Photo: USA TODAY
TL;DR

Astronomers have discovered evidence of a vast liquid ocean beneath the icy surface of Saturn's moon Mimas, contradicting its "Death Star" nickname. The findings, based on observations from NASA's Cassini spacecraft, suggest that the ocean formed relatively recently, making Mimas a potential location for studying the origins of life in the solar system. Despite lacking visible signs of subterranean ocean activity, the moon's young ocean provides unexpected evidence that even small, seemingly inactive moons can harbor conditions supportive of life.

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