Planetary oceanography

Planetary oceanography is the study of the oceans that exist on other planets and moons in our solar system, like Earth's nearby neighbor Mars, and Enceladus, one of Saturn's moons. Just like Earth, these other planets and moons have liquid water on their surfaces, and this water can form large bodies of water, just like our oceans.

But studying these other watery worlds is not as simple as just diving in and looking around. That's because the water on these other planets and moons is often covered by ice, and underneath that ice, the ocean is too deep, too cold, too distant, or too hazardous for humans to explore easily.

Instead, scientists use machines and satellites to study the oceans on other planets and moons. They send spacecraft to fly by and take pictures and measurements, or they land rovers and probes to dig into the surface and collect samples. They even use remote sensing techniques to study the oceans from afar, by analyzing the reflected light or radiation that comes off the surface.

By piecing together this information and analyzing it, scientists can develop a better understanding of the oceans on other planets and moons. They can learn about the temperature and chemical makeup of the water, the types of rocks and minerals on the ocean floor, and any signs of life that might exist in the water. All of this helps scientists to understand the history and evolution of these other worlds and how they compare to our own planet.

Overall, planetary oceanography is fascinating because it allows us to explore and learn about the oceans on other worlds, which can help us to better understand the universe and our place within it.