As I write, the Cassini spacecraft is encountering the moon Enceladus for the fifth time during its exploration of Saturn and its system. During the mission, Cassini has not only confirmed Titan is a fascinating world that might be home to some sort of biology, it has also put Enceladus firmly on the list of possible abodes of life in the Solar System.
Cassini will pass within 30 miles of the icy surface of Enceladus, flying over the geysers in the moon's south polar region. The pass should produce some spectacular images. It's also a chance to look for water or water vapor in the geyser plumes. Scientists now speculate there is an extensive ocean of water under the surface, kept liquid by a heat source. They have also found traces of possible organucs on Enceladus. Water, energy, and organic compounds all in the same place, given enough time, could produce life.
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