Astrochemistry Laboratory
Solar System Ices - Sciences and Exploration Directorate - NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

The Cosmic Ice Laboratory - Solar System Ices

The Cosmic Ice Laboratory


Solar System Ices
Earth H2O
Mars H2O, CO2
Asteroids H2O is seen on some asteroids, as is ice with a C-H infrared signature
Jupiter
Io SO2, SO3, H2S?, H2O?
Europa H2O, SO2, SH, CO2, O2, HC, XCN, H2O2, H2SO4, carbonate salt, hydrous sulfate
Ganymede H2O, SO2, SH, CO2, HC, XCN, O2, O3, hydrated and hydroxylated minerals
Callisto H2O, SO2, SH, CO2, HC, XCN, hydrated and hydroxylated minerals
Saturn
Mimas H2O
Enceladus H2O , NH3?
Tethys H2O
Dione H2O, C, HC, O3
Rhea H2O, HC?, O3
Hyperion H2O, CO2, CN
Iapetus H2O, CO2, C, HC, CN, H2S?
Phoebe H2O, CO2, CN, CH
Titan H2O , C2(CN)2
Rings H2O, HC?
Uranus
Miranda H2O, NH3 (NH3 hydrate?), hydroxylated silicates
Ariel H2O, CO2, OH?
Umbriel H2O, CO2
Titania H2O, C, HC, CO2, OH?
Oberon H2O, C, HC, OH?
Neptune
Triton N2, CH4, CO, CO2, H2O
Pluto N2, CH4, CO, H2O
Charon H2O, NH3 (NH3 hydrate?)
Kuiper Belt Objects H2O is seen on some Kuiper Belt objects. Also identified are NH3, CH4, and C2H6.
Comets H2O and a variety of coma (gas-phase) molecules



Contact Us

Michele Smith
Project Support Specialist
301-286-3902
michele.l.smith@nasa.gov

General inquiries about the scientific programs at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center may be directed to the Office of Public Affairs at 1.301.286.8955.