( CNN ) -- On the surface of one of Saturn 's icy moons , scientists have discovered the possible existence of a very important , life-sustaining element : liquid water . NASA scientists announced Monday the identification of 101 distinct geysers erupting on Saturn 's moon Enceladus . Their analysis suggests that water , a crucial component for life beyond our planet , can reach the Saturnian moon 's surface . First sighted in 2005 , the geysers erupt from four `` tiger stripe '' fractures along the moon 's south polar terrain and spew tiny ice particles and water vapor , NASA said in news release . After seven years of collecting mission data from NASA 's Cassini spacecraft , scientists found the geysers to be powered by small hot spots -- the result of water vapor condensing and venting from subsurface seawater ; thus , answering questions about the geysers ' origins . Researchers had previously thought the ice particles and water vapor came from either frictional heat or from water vapor below the surface . `` Once we had these results in hand , we knew right away heat was not causing the geysers , but vice versa , '' said NASA adviser Carolyn Porco , who led the Cassini imaging team . `` It also told us the geysers are not a near-surface phenomenon , but have much deeper roots . '' More space content : Supermoon linked to supercreativity ? We think so . CNN 's Dave Alsup contributed to this report .
NASA scientists identify 101 geysers on Enceladus . Score: 6