Overview
- A reanalysis of Cassini's Composite Infrared Spectrometer data detected the north pole about 7 K warmer than seasonal models, indicating significant internal heat flow.
- Comparing winter 2005 and summer 2015 observations, researchers inferred a conductive heat loss of roughly 35 GW from the surface, with a moonwide total near 54 GW when the south-pole output is included.
- The measured heat-loss budget aligns with tidal heating from Saturn's gravity, supporting the persistence of Enceladus's subsurface ocean over geological timescales.
- Thermal data yield new ice-thickness estimates of about 20–23 km at the north pole and a global average of 25–28 km, informing designs for future landers or probes.
- Scientists highlight the unknown age of the ocean as the key open question for habitability studies, with authors Georgina Miles and Carly Howett underscoring the need for targeted missions.