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Science In Action: What are Saturn’s moons made of?

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cropped_Saturn_hi003249309.jpg

28/03/2019 GMT

What are Saturn’s moons made of?

BBC World Service - Science In Action, What are Saturn’s moons made of?

The tiny moons of Saturn are getting bigger thanks to debris from Saturn’s rings

The tiny moons of Saturn are getting bigger thanks to a build-up of debris from Saturn’s rings

New data revealed from the Cassini mission to Saturn suggests the planets’ tiny moons are made of the same material as its enigmatic rings. Material from the rings is building up around the circumference of the moons - in effect making them grow. 

Looking into the far reaches of deep space scientists are narrowing down the number of planets they think could be habitable. New developments with space and ground telescopes will give us a chance to examine the chemical signature of earth like exoplanets for tell-tale signs of life. 

Ancient barnacles may have a role to play in predicting the impact of climate change on migratory whale species. Fossilised barnacles species known to live on whales give clues to ancient migratory routes and how these evolved as the earth’s climate changed. 

And how a better understanding of coral genetics may help them cope with warming seas. 


(Photo from the Cassini spacecraft showing the mighty planet Saturn – credit: Nasa)




Presenter: Roland Pease
Producer: Julian Siddle

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