Geyser-like eruptions of ice particles and water vapor shoot from the south pole of Saturn's moon, Enceladus.
Photo: AP Photo/NASA

The basic ingredients for life - warmth, water and organic chemicals - are in place on Saturn's small moon Enceladus, scientists say.

Their conclusion, outlined today, came after examination of data from the Cassini spacecraft which flew through huge plumes erupting off the moon's surface on March 12.

Scientists working on the US-European mission did not say they had detected any actual evidence of life on Enceladus, where geysers at its south pole continuously shoot watery plumes some 800km off its icy surface into space.

But they said the building blocks for life were there, and described the plumes as a surprising organic brew, like carbonated water with an essence of natural gas.

"Water vapour was the major constituent.