Paper Boys

Episode 69

Why does Enceladus have "tiger stripes"?

Saturn's icy, life-promising moon has some intriguing scars.

Saturn’s tiny moon Enceladus is of great interest to scientists for its unique features and potential for life. Despite its far distance from the sun, a vast ocean exists under its surface, and geyser-like jets regularly shoot water vapor into its atmosphere and space. For many years, planetary scientists have wondered how four deep, nearly parallel trenches formed near the planet’s south pole. Join us this week and Charlie and James nerd out on an excellent paper that digs into this mystery of Enceladus’ “tiger stripe” trenches.

Check out the journal article here and the NY Times article here.

Also, find great photos of Enceladus from NASA/JPL here.

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