Ep 1. Saturn's Moon Monsters

In season 7 episode 1 of NASA's Unexplained Files, titled "Saturn's Moon Monsters," viewers are taken on a journey through the mysteries surrounding the sixth planet in our solar system -- Saturn -- and its many moons.

The episode begins with a recap of some of the most fascinating discoveries made by NASA's Cassini spacecraft during its 13 years of exploration around Saturn. Then, the story moves to the mysteries of one of Saturn's most interesting moons, Enceladus.

Since its discovery in the late 18th century, Enceladus has been a curiosity for astronomers and scientists alike. Its icy exterior has been considered the key to unlocking the secrets of Saturn's moons and their potential for sustaining life. NASA's Cassini spacecraft captured images of Enceladus that showed geysers of water shooting into space from deep beneath its icy surface.

The episode explores how the discovery of these geysers led scientists to realize that Enceladus is most likely hiding a subsurface ocean beneath its icy crust. This led to the belief that there may be life on the moon, as similar underwater environments on our own planet have been found to harbor life.

The episode then delves into the idea that Enceladus may not be the only moon around Saturn that could possibly support life. Another of Saturn's moons, Titan, has also been of great interest to scientists. It is the only known moon in our solar system to have a thick atmosphere, similar to that of Earth. NASA's Cassini mission also discovered lakes and rivers of liquid methane and ethane on Titan's surface.

The episode then explores some of the more intriguing mysteries surrounding Saturn's moons. Cassini captures images of strange structures and shapes on the surface of Iapetus, one of Saturn's moons. Some think these shapes could be evidence of artificial structures or even signs of alien presence.

Similarly, the strange hexagonal shape observed at the north pole of Saturn itself has also puzzled scientists. The hexagonal pattern is unlike anything observed in our solar system and has yet to be explained by traditional models of atmospheric dynamics.

NASA's Unexplained Files also touches on the story of Jack Parsons, one of the founding members of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. Parsons was a frequent collaborator with famed science fiction author Robert Heinlein and was involved in the development of the first American rockets. However, he was also a practicing occultist and was involved in a number of mysterious and controversial practices throughout his life.

Throughout the episode, viewers are treated to stunning images of Saturn, its moons, and the various discoveries made by NASA's Cassini mission. The show also features interviews with leading scientists, astronauts, and researchers who provide their insights and perspectives on the mysteries surrounding Saturn.

NASA's Unexplained Files continues to inspire viewers with its blend of scientific discovery, space exploration, and the mysteries of the universe. Season 7's "Saturn's Moon Monsters" is no exception, taking viewers on a journey through the fascinating mysteries of Saturn and its many intriguing moons.