Scientists said it was an incredible surprise to find evidence of an ocean in a small object like Miranda. The study, which included experts from different universities, was published in The Planetary Science Journal.
Miranda stands out among other moons in the solar system due to its peculiar geological features. Images taken by Voyager 2 in 1986 show the southern hemisphere as a mosaic of deep canyons and craters likely created by tidal forces.
A team of scientists led by University of North Dakota graduate student Caleb Strom reanalyzed the images and developed a computer model to test Miranda’s possible internal structures. Modeling showed there could be an ocean 100 to 500 kilometers deep beneath the ice shell.
Scientists suggest that tidal forces from neighboring moons were responsible for the formation of this ocean, which could have heated the interior of Miranda, creating conditions for the existence of water. Although the ocean is probably relatively thin at this time, the presence of a subsurface water body makes Miranda an interesting subject for further research.
An important warning from scientists is that more data needs to be collected to confirm the existence of the ocean.
Source: Ferra
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