What Did We Discover on Titan?

  • Thread starter lionell
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In summary, in 2005, the Huygens probe landed on Titan, Saturn's biggest moon, and found that it has a dense atmosphere. It is currently being studied by the Cassini-Huygens mission and new information is being discovered, such as the presence of liquid hydrocarbon lakes near its north pole. Titan can be observed through small telescopes or binoculars and has a maximum magnitude of +7.9. The Huygens probe took photos, atmospheric measurements, and collected data about the surface upon landing. The discovery of potential liquid hydrocarbons on the surface has received the most media attention. The Cassini probe also captured photos of lakes on Titan as large as Lake Superior. However, it should be noted
  • #1
lionell
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I know that in 2005 the Heuygens probe landed on Titan, Saturn's biggest Moon.
What did we find out?
 
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  • #2
We found out that it has a dense atmosphere. The moon is currently undergoing study by the Cassini-Huygens mission, and new information about it is accumulating, such as the discovery of liquid hydrocarbon lakes near its north pole. These are the only large, stable bodies of surface liquid known to exist anywhere other than Earth.

Titan is never visible to the naked eye, but can be observed through small telescopes (diameter greater than 5 cm) or strong binoculars. It has a maximum magnitude of +7.9, which is outshone by six asteroids (Vesta, Pallas, Iris, Hebe, Juno, Melpomene) and the dwarf planet Ceres. Titan reaches an angular distance of about 20 Saturn radii from Saturn and subtends a disk 0.8 arcseconds in diameter.
 
  • #4
Dig through the link neutrino provided. The Huygens probe took many photos, took atmospheric measurements during its descent to the surface, and collected data about the surface itself upon landing. Great stuff. The evidence for potential liquid hydrocarbons on the surface gets the most media attention.
 
  • #6
To sort of answer your question, the Cassini probe took photographs of Titan that showed lakes as large as lake Superior.
 
  • #7
Hi

Hi everyone I'm really excited to be a part of this place. Also they found dirt on titan.
 
  • #8
Guess what

I like it here. I'm out here on titan blogging with you guys, isn't that cool.
 
  • #9
oh yeah and discover is spelled wrong.=(
 

1. What is the significance of the discovery on Titan?

The discovery on Titan is significant because it provides valuable insights into the potential for life on other planets and moons in our solar system. It also expands our understanding of the chemical processes and environments that can support life.

2. What did we discover about the atmosphere of Titan?

We have discovered that the atmosphere of Titan is primarily composed of nitrogen, with traces of methane and other hydrocarbons. We have also found evidence of complex organic molecules in the atmosphere, which suggests the potential for life.

3. How does the discovery on Titan impact our understanding of Earth?

The discovery on Titan has expanded our understanding of the conditions necessary for life to exist. This can help us better understand the origins of life on Earth and potentially discover new forms of life on other planets and moons.

4. What technology was used to make the discovery on Titan?

The discovery on Titan was made possible by a combination of technologies, including the Cassini spacecraft and the Huygens probe. These instruments allowed us to gather data and images of the moon's surface and atmosphere.

5. What is the next step in studying Titan?

The next step in studying Titan is to continue analyzing the data and images collected by the Cassini spacecraft and Huygens probe. We also hope to send more advanced missions to Titan in the future to further explore its potential for hosting life.

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