Signs of life? Why Saturn moon offers hope of finding ET in Earth’s back yard

Discovery of wide array of carbon-based substances on Enceladus shows solar system is fertile hunting ground

From tentative evidence of habitable planets to the eyebrow-raising suggestion an interstellar comet might not be what it seems, the possibility of life beyond our solar system has long tantalised scientists and the public alike. But experts say ET is more likely to be found if we search in our own back yard.

The prospect was revitalised on Wednesday when scientists announced the likelihood has risen that Saturn's sixth largest moon may be habitable after a study found Enceladus is spewing out a wider array of carbon-based substances than previously known.