Overview
- Researchers detected the north pole about 7 kelvin warmer than models predicted by comparing Cassini CIRS observations from deep winter 2005 and summer 2015.
- The inferred conductive heat flux at the north pole is 46 ± 4 milliwatts per square meter, translating to roughly 35 gigawatts of global conductive loss when extrapolated.
- Combining the new north‑polar estimate with known south‑polar output gives a total heat loss of about 54 gigawatts, closely matching tidal heating predictions of roughly 50–55 gigawatts.
- The near balance between internal heating and measured heat loss supports a thermally stable subsurface ocean over geological timescales, improving but not confirming the moon’s habitability.
- Thermal data also suggest an ice shell about 20–23 kilometers thick at the north pole and roughly 25–28 kilometers on average, while scientists note the ocean’s age remains uncertain and call for follow‑up in situ missions.