Moons in the extensive satellite systems of gas giants often become trapped in orbital resonances that lead to forced libration or orbital eccentricity; proximity to Saturn could then lead to tidal heating of Enceladus's interior, offering a possible explanation for the activity.
Moons in the extensive satellite systems of gas giants often become trapped in orbital resonances that lead to forced libration or orbital eccentricity. Enceladus is in such a resonance with Saturn's fourth largest moon, Dione; proximity to Saturn leads to tidal heating of Enceladus's interior, offering a possible explanation for the activity.