This discovery highlights the possibility that Ceres’ subsurface ocean played a role in creating these life-enabling molecules. The Significance of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons on Ceres Aliphatic ...

It is quite likely that building blocks of life were also formed in Ceres’ underground ocean and perhaps even reached the surface—or are still doing so.” Future missions could offer direct ...

The research concluded that the aliphatics could not withstand prolonged exposure to deep space radiation, suggesting their relatively recent formation in Ceres's underground ocean. The team ...

The appearance of ocean worlds may differ greatly from our expectations if this is true. Furthermore, NASA has previously launched a spacecraft to Ceres. The dwarf planet’s potential status as a ...