On Mimas, Saturn, may be ice ocean

B18 century astronomer William Herschel discovered the smallest eighth satellite of Saturn, who had not been noticed. Mimas was named after the son of Gaia, the goddess of Greek mythology. The diameter of the satellite is about 400 kilometers, and its surface is "decorated" a huge 130-kilometer crater.

Experts from NASA have discovered that Mimas orbit does not behave like most other satellites. The fact that moving in its orbit around Saturn, Mimas makes slow oscillations. Scientists believe that the cause of these wiggles may be the presence of a large amount of the depth of the water itself, in liquid form.

Photos Mimas transmitted to Earth space probe "Cassini", which is already 10 years in orbit of Saturn, studying the gas giant and its vicinity. Project leader "Cassini" Radwan Tajeddine reported high amplitude oscillations of a satellite during orbital motion. To be more precise, these vibrations are actually twice as larger than expected for the calculation.

Libration, slow rocking of the satellite, the familiar phenomenon for astronomers. Observation showed her and some satellites of other planets. The reason libration may be either the presence of liquid water in a large amount, or the reason for this behavior of the satellite is its shape.

In studying the data, scientists have created several models of the "behavior" of Mimas, some of which are created by the data provided by "Cassini". There are two main versions of the libration of Mimas. According to the first, to a depth of 24 to 31 kilometers from the surface is ocean. And tidal heating promotes the satellite oscillation. According to the second theory, called libration unusual shape of the nucleus of Mimas. It is assumed that the core may have an oval shape.

However, both theories are the contradictions that are difficult to deny. If within Mimas ocean existed, then it would on the moon's surface were detected faults, through which from time to time there would be emissions of liquid water. But nothing that has not yet been observed. In order to confirm or refute the second theory, need more data, which, unfortunately, are not.
If the presence of liquid water beneath the icy surface of Mimas is proven, it is likely that astronomers will have another potentially habitable world. Europe already planned expedition (unmanned, of course). Maybe Mimas and interested scientists so that it is decided to send the station and there.

Via popularmechanics

Source: geektimes.ru/post/240532/