Scientists have found complex carbon-based molecules in Enseladus, Saturn's sixth largest.
This construction was previously only encountered on Earth and some meteorites.
The molecules are predicted to be the result of the interaction of the ocean below the frozen surface with the hot rocks in the center of the habitat.
Although this is not a sign of life on its own, the existence of complex molecules based on carbon raises the possibility of existence in Enseladus.
Recent findings, Cassini, came from spaceborne data.
Is there life in Enseladus?
Dr. "These large molecules usually consist of hundreds of atoms," says Frank Postberg, adding:
"Such molecules are for the first time seen on a planet of water outside the world.
"In the world these molecules are biologically created, but there is also the possibility that the Enseladus might have emerged in another way.
"These molecules are a condition for life to exist, but now we can not say whether they are biologically created, whether it is a prebiotic chemical process or life in the satellite."
what is needed for the stage ?
Liquid water
Energy
Carbon-based organic compounds
Certain elements such as carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus and sulfur
Although sulfur and phosphorus have not yet been found in Enseladus, all the rest are in the satellite.
What's next?
The Cassini vehicle, which completed its mission in September last year and burned into the atmosphere of Saturn, was not designed to find signs of life.
The scientist had not yet discovered the existence of the water that gushes far from Enseladus when it was thrown out.
Cassini first discovered them in 2005, after having entered them into the Saturn system.
At the moment there are technologies to detect whether such molecules are biologically created.
Dr. Postberg: "The next logical step is to find out if there is life in Enseladus again soon, with this reference and a specially designed tool."
