The last vital ingredient for life has been discovered on Enceladus

Phosphorus, though rare on Earth’s surface, may be abundant on other worlds

Enceladus, the moon of Saturn, shown partly illuminated against the backdrop of space

Phosphorus is a limiting nutrient for life here on Earth, but it may abound in the underground ocean of Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus (pictured).

JPL/NASA, Space Science Institute

CHICAGO — The last key ingredient for life has been discovered on Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus.