Technologies
Saturn’s ‘Death Star moon’ Mimas may be hiding an internal ocean
Darth Vader might want to pack a bathing suit.
Saturn has some famous moons, like Enceladus (a plume-spewing moon of mystery) and Titan (the intriguing target of NASA’s future Dragonfly mission). But what about dainty Mimas, a moon that’s mostly known for its resemblance to the Death Star from Star Wars? Turns out it might be hiding an internal ocean.
A study published in the journal Icarus lays out evidence that suggests Mimas has liquid deep under its icy surface. «If Mimas has an ocean, it represents a new class of small, ‘stealth’ ocean worlds with surfaces that do not betray the ocean’s existence,» said lead author Alyssa Rhoden in a Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) statement on Wednesday.
Mimas might look quiet, but NASA’s now-defunct Saturn-studying Cassini spacecraft «identified a curious libration, or oscillation, in the moon’s rotation, which often points to a geologically active body able to support an internal ocean,» SwRI said.
The libration spotted by Cassini suggests Mimas’s interior is warm enough for a liquid ocean, but not so warm it compromises the moon’s thick shell of ice. The researchers calculate that ice shell could be up to 19 miles (31 kilometers) thick.
There’s a nifty acronym for interior water ocean worlds: IWOWs. Known IWOWs include Enceladus, Titan and Jupiter’s fascinating moon Europa. These places are particularly interesting because they may be habitable for microbial life. The bigger moons tend to have geologic activity on their surfaces that hints at what’s going on below. Mimas, however, is doing a good job of hiding its liquid, if it does exist.
«Turns out, Mimas’ surface was tricking us, and our new understanding has greatly expanded the definition of a potentially habitable world in our solar system and beyond,» Rhoden said.
The researchers aren’t ready to declare Mimas a sure-fire IWOW just yet. There are still questions around its formation and evolution. Rhoden called it a «compelling target for continued investigation.»
Technologies
Black Friday Is Wrapped but Deals on the PlayStation, Xbox and Switch Are Still Dropping
Technologies
The Best PS5 Controller Is Back to $160 for Black Friday Weekend, and It’ll Likely Be Gone by Cyber Monday
This unbeatable deal brings the PlayStation DualSense Edge wireless controller back down to its lowest price on record.
Black Friday weekend is here and Cyber Monday is up next. These major shopping events promise to bring some of the lowest ever prices on thousands of products, including gaming gear. If you’re shopping for a special gamer for the holidays, look no further than this PlayStation DualSense wireless controller for $40 off at Amazon.
This discount brings one of our favorite wireless controllers and down to just $160 for select colors. With this discount, Amazon matches the controller’s lowest ever price on record. Amazon’s deal also includes a pouch with extra accessories, including stick caps and USB-C cable. If you want the controller on its own, it’ll cost you $59, which saves you $40.
The DualSense wireless controller can be used with PS5 consoles, Mac or Windows devices. It features mappable back buttons and replaceable stick modules so you can customize your controller. DualSense features include haptics, a built-in microphone, adaptive triggers and more. Keep in mind that only some games work with DualSense.
Your lengthy gaming sessions will be more comfortable thanks to the controller’s ergonomic design and anti-slip inner grips. The included pouch makes it easy for you to store and organize the Edge wireless controller and its components. Along with its accoutrements, the DualSense Edge allows you to quickly switch profiles so your friends and loved ones can join you on the fun.
Keep in mind that the $160 price tag only applies to certain colors. Other controller colors, such as Edge midnight black, are down to $170.
CHEAP GAMING LAPTOP DEALS OF THE WEEK
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$950 (save $850)
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$800 (save $150)
Why this deal matters
Sony’s PlayStation is one of the most popular gaming consoles on the planet. It’s famous for its responsive features, game quality and elegant design. However, PlayStation accessories can be costly. This $40 discount brings the DualSense Edge wireless controller down to just $160, matching its previous record low.
We’re keeping up with all lingering Black Friday and upcoming Cyber Monday deals, so check back often to maximize your savings.
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