More Moon Interplay

Scientists are increasingly finding that, perhaps contrary to common assumptions, bodies in space can and do interact with each other on a regular basis. For a few years now, the case has been made that some meteorites found on Earth originated on Mars. Recent studies expand on that theme. Using data from the extraordinarily successful Cassini mission to Saturn, scientists now think the geysers of Enceladus may seed the upper atmosphere of the giant moon Titan with organic molecules that originate in Enceladus' subsurface ocean, thus making life on Titan more likely.

Nor is that all Enceladus does. A new study suggests electrons from that moon, propelled by the geyser eruptions, reach five more Saturnian moons in a plasma, interacting with the surfaces of those moons.

With Saturn's system as a model, some are saying much the same interplay could take place among the moons of Jupiter. In that case, the extreme vulcanism of Io would drive the process.

All this indicates a level of complexity in planetary systems not imagined in any depth before the Space Age.