Miranda reveals a complex geologic history in this view, acquired by Voyager 2 on Jan. 24, 1986, around its close approach to the Uranian moon. (Image credit: JPL) ...

Since Voyager 2’s 1986 flyby, scientists have speculated about Miranda’s potential as an “ocean world.” It could harbor a hidden ocean beneath its icy crust.

Given Miranda's modest radius of only 146 miles (235 kilometers), the ocean would have represented nearly half the moon's entire volume. Strom noted, “That result was a big surprise to the team.” ...