**Astronomy Picture of the Day – Government Shutdown: No APOD Today**
A leading interpretation of images taken of Saturn’s most explosive moon, Enceladus, indicates intriguing geological activity. This form of asymmetric tectonic movement—very unusual on Earth—likely holds important clues to the moon’s internal structure, which may include subsurface seas where life might potentially develop.
Pictured above is a composite of 28 images captured by the robotic Cassini spacecraft in 2008, just after its close flyby of this ice-spewing orb. Detailed inspection of these images reveals clear tectonic displacements, where large portions of Enceladus’ surface appear to shift uniformly in one direction.
On the right side of the image, one of the most prominent tectonic divides can be seen: Labtayt Sulci, a canyon about one kilometer deep. The magnitude of Enceladus’ wobble as it orbits Saturn may indicate damping caused by a globally extending underground ocean layer.
For a closer look, follow the link to access a high-definition version of the image. You can use the magnifying glass cursor to zoom in by clicking once, and zoom out by clicking again. When zoomed in, you can scan the image by moving the side bars located at the bottom and right side.
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*Posted by MtnClimber.*
*(For photos of scenery, wildlife, and climbing, click on my screen name to visit my homepage.)*
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