The Fountains of Enceladus

Artist's rendition of the south polar region of Enceladus
April 10, 2008
Language
  • english

This artist's painting of the south polar region of Saturn's tiny moon Enceladus shows massive jets of water ice being blasted into space. The moon's lack of atmosphere and low gravity prevents the jets from fanning out quickly as they might on a more massive world. These plumes feed the extensive E ring of Saturn.

Image by Karl Kofoed -- Drexel Hill, Pennsylvania

For a high resolution image, click here.

Credit: Copyright 2008 Karl Kofoed