Methane rains transform Titan's surface
Posted: Fri, Mar 18, 2011, 7:28 AM ET (1128 GMT)
Changes in color in regions of Titan's surface are likely the result of methane rainfalls, scientists reported this week. In a paper published in the journal Science, researchers noted that a region of the planet's equatorial deserts became darker for a short period after a cloud formation passed over it, based on images and other data from the Cassini spacecraft. The most likely cause of that temporary darkening is that the methane rain from the cloud system, making the surface wet and thus appear darker. The weather patterns suggest that Titan has weather patterns and seasonal cycles not unlike the Earth's.
Changes in color in regions of Titan's surface are likely the result of methane rainfalls, scientists reported this week. In a paper published in the journal Science, researchers noted that a region of the planet's equatorial deserts became darker for a short period after a cloud formation passed over it, based on images and other data from the Cassini spacecraft. The most likely cause of that temporary darkening is that the methane rain from the cloud system, making the surface wet and thus appear darker. The weather patterns suggest that Titan has weather patterns and seasonal cycles not unlike the Earth's.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
SpaceX launches Starlink satellites in final launch of 2024
Posted: Sat, Jan 4 8:39 AM ET (1339 GMT) |
|
news links
|
|
Friday, January 10
Redwire Camera Technology to Launch Onboard Firefly Aerospace Blue Ghost Lunar Lander’s First Robotic Moon Mission to Deliver NASA Science
Business Wire — 6:18 am ET (1118 GMT) US Space Force Selects L3Harris to Design Resilient GPS Satellites
Inside GNSS — 6:18 am ET (1118 GMT) Rocket Lab on Track to Advance U.S. Defense Capabilities, Passing Major Milestone in Development of Spacecraft Constellation for Space Development Agency
Business Wire — 6:17 am ET (1117 GMT) In U.S.: Generals, spies and moguls cross their fingers for Bezos’ New Glenn
Aerospace America — 6:16 am ET (1116 GMT) Weather prompts Blue Origin to push back New Glenn rocket launch
UPI — 6:15 am ET (1115 GMT) |
