Lake Superior-sized ocean supports life theory on Saturn’s moon Enceladus

Friday, April 4, 2014, 9:41 AM -

More new discoveries in space.

Scientists now say an ocean as big as Lake Superior lies below a thick layer of ice on Saturn's moon Enceladus.

Enceladus is about 499 km across and scientists say the new ocean of liquid water could encompass much, if not most, of the moon.

That's according to new data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft, which has been exploring Saturn and its rings 17 years after its launch from Cape Canaveral.

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The findings were announced on Thursday, but what does this all mean exactly?

The water suggests Saturn's sixth largest moon could have been or could now be home to living creatures.

Another mission using more sophisticated instruments however, is needed to make that search.

This latest discovery makes the interior of Enceladus "a very attractive potential place to look for life,'' said Cornell University planetary scientist Jonathan Lunine, who took part in the study.

The findings are published in the journal Science.

File- NASA

With files from The Associated Press