NASA believes it has discovered oceans on a Saturn moon named Enceladus that could potentially support life.
The molecular hydrogen was found during space probe Cassini’s last pass through the natural satellite’s plumes in October 2015. Experts say the discovery makes Enceladus the only place aside from Earth, where scientists have found direct evidence of a possible energy source for life.
NASA scientists added during their televised news conference that conditions similar to the new findings may have caused the appearance of microbial life on Earth more than 4 billion years ago.
Contributing astronomers noted that Jupiter’s moon Europa may also support life. The new findings come as the Cassini spacecraft is nearing retirement scheduled for April 26.