The geysers on Saturn's moon Enceladus are one of the most intriguing features in our solar system. Spouting 125 miles high, these cryovolcanic plumes may provide insight into the giant ocean inside the icy moon--as well as any organisms that may inhabit it.

On Wednesday, the Cassini spacecraft made its deepest pass through Enceladus' icy spray.

Scientists hope that by collecting samples from lower parts of the plumes, the spacecraft might be able to detect heavier, more complex compounds that could shed light on whether the inner ocean is capable of supporting life. Cassini was also searching for hydrogen, which could indicate whether the ocean floor is active and infusing life-sustaining energy into the ocean.

Now the spacecraft has sent back images from its close encounter--the closest a manmade spacecraft has ever come to the source of the plumes, or will come anytime in the near future.