Life Exists On Saturn Moon Titan New Study Drops Major Hint

Apart from Earth, man has not yet discovered any planet in space where life exists. Although elements with the potential for life have been discovered on many planets and satellites, the matter remains limited to possibilities only. But one of the moons of Saturn is considered to be closest to the presence of life. It has been claimed that an element is present on this moon of Saturn which increases the chances of life flourishing there manifold. A new study says that there are deposits of methane clathrate on Saturn’s largest moon Titan.

A team of planetary scientists at the University of Hawaii attempted to make the discovery. Claim It has been discovered that methane gas is buried beneath the upper solid surface of Saturn’s largest moon Titan. Researchers say that Titan’s craters are hundreds of meters shallower than estimated. Of these, only 90 have been identified so far. But the interesting thing is that deep craters may also be present here which are yet to be identified.

What is the significance of finding methane?

Methane clathrate or methane hydrate is a solid compound in which methane is buried in large quantities. It has a water-like crystal type structure, and looks similar to frozen ice. Scientists are saying that through the study of methane clathrate, the carbon cycle of Titan can be understood and information can be gathered about the changing climate there.

The most important thing that has come out in the research is that looking at the thickness of the layer filled with methane, it shows that the ice shell was very hot and flexible. This shows that it was connecting slowly. Biomarkers indicative of life may have migrated from Titan’s subsurface ocean into its icy outer shell, just waiting to be discovered.

It is also worth noting here that on Earth, methane clathrate hydrates are found in the permafrost of Siberia and under the Arctic sea level. By the way, Titan is considered to be the satellite of the solar system where there may be the highest possibility of harboring life. It is the only place after Earth where an atmosphere exists and liquids exist in the form of rivers, lakes and seas.