New Topographic Map of Saturn's Moon Titan Reveals Liquid Flows

In summary: Titan's nitrogen-rich atmosphere traps the methane and other organic materials, slowly releasing them to the surface over time. This activity is thought to account for the dark spots that appear on Titan's surface, which are thought to be areas where the rain has fallen.The findings of the Huygens probe indicate that Titan's atmosphere periodically rains liquid methane and other organic compounds onto its surface. Titan's nitrogen-rich atmosphere traps the methane and other organic materials, slowly releasing them to the surface over time. This activity is thought to account for the dark spots that appear on Titan's surface, which are thought to be areas where the rain has fallen.
  • #1
wolram
Gold Member
Dearly Missed
4,446
558
Using the now-complete Cassini data set, astronomers have created a new global topographic map of Saturn's moon Titan that has opened new windows into understanding its liquid flows and terrain.
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/01/180106190439.htm
I found this fascinating I hope others do.
 
  • Like
Likes ISamson
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
How does the liquid flow?
 
  • #3
stefan r said:
How does the liquid flow?
What do you mean?
 
  • #4
Borg said:
What do you mean?

The article says that all the lakes on Titan have the same altitude. Higher lakes beds are dry. On Earth the oceans are the same level because of straights like Gibraltar or the flow around Antarctica. Isolated bodies of water are above sea level like Lake Ontario, or more rarely, below like the Dead Sea.
 
  • #5
The article stated that they believe that the lakes are locally connected through underground channels because the higher lakes are not filled.
"We don't see any empty lakes that are below the local filled lakes because, if they did go below that level, they would be filled themselves. This suggests that there's flow in the subsurface and that they are communicating with each other," said Hayes. "It's also telling us that there is liquid hydrocarbon stored on the subsurface of Titan."
 
  • #6
Also found here:
https://phys.org/news/2018-01-saturn-moon-titan-sports-earth-like.html

I would assume that the differences between the liquid oceans of Earth and those of Titan have several differences. The different mass of each world of course and the different tidal forces effecting each world's oceans.

Is it confirmed that Titan's liquid is Methane and not Water? Cause you have to figure that liquid Methane is not always going to behave the same as water? And any surprises in the chemical composition of the outer satellite?
 
  • #7
r8chard said:
Is it confirmed that Titan's liquid is Methane and not Water? Cause you have to figure that liquid Methane is not always going to behave the same as water? And any surprises in the chemical composition of the outer satellite?
The rocks in the pictures from Titan's surface are water (ice), but the liquid is definitely hydrocarbon. Spectral analysis prove it.
 
  • #8
Too cold for liquid water.
From the wiki section on Titan's climate:
The findings of the Huygens probe indicate that Titan's atmosphere periodically rains liquid methane and other organic compounds onto its surface.
 

What is the significance of the new topographic map of Saturn's moon Titan?

The new topographic map of Saturn's moon Titan is significant because it reveals the presence of liquid flows on the moon's surface, which were previously unknown. This discovery suggests that Titan may have a similar geology to Earth, with cycles of erosion and sedimentation.

How was the topographic map of Titan created?

The topographic map of Titan was created using data collected by the Cassini spacecraft's radar instrument. The spacecraft made multiple flybys of Titan, sending radar signals to the moon's surface and measuring the echoes that bounced back. This data was then used to create a 3D map of the moon's surface.

What does the map reveal about Titan's landscape?

The map reveals that Titan's landscape is diverse, with mountains, valleys, and liquid bodies. The liquid flows on the surface are likely made up of liquid methane, which is present on the moon's surface and can exist in liquid form due to the low temperatures and high atmospheric pressure.

What implications does this map have for the search for extraterrestrial life?

The presence of liquid flows on Titan's surface suggests that the moon may have the necessary ingredients for life to exist. Liquid water is essential for life as we know it, but on Titan, liquid methane could potentially serve as a substitute. This map opens up the possibility of further exploration and investigation for potential signs of life on the moon.

What future research is planned based on the findings of this map?

Based on the findings of this map, future research will likely focus on studying the composition and properties of Titan's liquid bodies and the geological processes that shape the moon's surface. Scientists may also plan future missions to Titan to gather more data and potentially search for signs of life.

Similar threads

Replies
1
Views
3K
  • Biology and Medical
2
Replies
39
Views
7K
Replies
4
Views
3K
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
21
Views
807
Replies
4
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
3K
Writing: Input Wanted Great Lakes Earth Map
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
6
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
7K
Replies
3
Views
3K
Writing: Read Only Great Lakes Earth
  • Sci-Fi Writing and World Building
Replies
1
Views
3K
Back
Top