Scientists find diverse salt mixtures in Enceladus ice grains
An international team published findings on the chemical diversity of ice particles from Saturn's moon Enceladus in the journal Science Advances.
Cassini data reveals grain variety
The Cosmic Dust Analyzer aboard the Cassini spacecraft collected samples between 2004 and 2017. Analysis of 961 mass spectra showed that individual grains contain different combinations of salts. Some particles held sodium chloride while others contained carbonates or phosphates.
Rare salt pairings observed
Researchers noted that chloride and carbonate rarely appear together in the same grain. This discovery suggests complex separation processes occur as ocean water travels to space. The results challenge earlier assumptions about uniform composition in these plumes.
Study leads to new questions
The team published their analysis of Type 3 particles in a recent issue of Science Advances. Professor Frank Postberg from Freie Universität Berlin led the investigation into these salt-rich grains. Scientists now seek to understand why specific salts separate so distinctly.
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