A dramatic plume sprays water ice and vapor from the south polar region of Saturn's moon Enceladus. Cassini's first hint of this plume came during the spacecraft's first close flyby of the icy moon on February 17, 2005.NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute
NASA-supported studies have been included in a Special Collection of the journal Astrobiology focused on the topic of Sub-Ice Sampling.
Oceans of liquid water found beneath the icy surfaces of Solar System bodies like Europa and Enceladus are thought to be some of the best locations in which to search for signatures of life beyond Earth. Additionally, subglacial lakes on Earth support unique ecosystems beneath ice that can help astrobiologists better understand life’s potential in the Universe. Accessing and studying these environments, however, poses many challenges. One of the biggest challenges is safely delivering instruments through the ice itself in order to make observations and collect samples.
The Special Edition includes research papers that focus on technology currently being developed to help scientists access bodies of water that are covered by ice.
The NASA-supported papers can be found alongside additional research funded by other US and international agencies in the “Special Collection: Sub-Ice Sampling,” edition of Astrobiology.
Related:
Life in the Extreme: Surviving Beneath a Glacier, Part I
Life in the Extreme: Surviving Beneath a Glacier, Part II
Icefin Dives Below the Antarctic Ice Shelf
Ask An Astrobiologist: The Potential for Life on Titan, Europa, & Enceladus with Dr. Morgan Cable
Ask An Astrobiologist: Robot Explorers on Icy Worlds with Dr. Britney Schmidt
Antarctica’s Subglacial Lakes Support Prospects For Life On Icy Moons