Frictional heating explains plumes on Enceladus

User rating: 4.6 / 5 after 10 vote(s)

Plumes of water vapor and other gases escape at high velocity from the surface of Saturnacutes moon Enceladus as shown in this artist concept. Image credit: NASAJPL
Plumes of water vapor and other gases escape at high velocity from the surface of Saturn's moon Enceladus, as shown in this artist concept. Image credit: NASA/JPL

Rubbing your hands together on a cold day generates a bit of heat, and the same process of frictional heating may be what powers the geysers jetting out from the surface of Saturn's moon Enceladus.


Full story »
All News summaries from Space & Earth science news
All News summaries for May 16, 2007
Goto Archive PhysOrg Forum Goto Archive Video Goto Archive Editorials Goto Archive Free Magazines Goto Archive Newsletter

News Archive