Ceres, the largest object in the asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, is an “ocean world” with a big reservoir of salty water under its frigid surface, scientists said in findings that raise interest in this dwarf planet as a possible outpost for life. Research published on Monday based on data obtained by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration’s (Nasa) Dawn spacecraft, which flew as close as 35 kilometers from the surface in 2018, provides a new understanding of Ceres, including evidence indicating it remains geologically active with “cryovolcanism”—volcanoes oozing icy material. The findings confirm the presence of a subsurface reservoir of brine—salt-enriched water—remnants of a vast subsurface ocean that has been gradually freezing.

Dwarf planet Ceres is 'Ocean World' with salt water deep underground. (2020, August 20). Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A6.