Evidence for a polar ethane cloud on Titan

Science. 2006 Sep 15;313(5793):1620-2. doi: 10.1126/science.1128245.

Abstract

Spectra from Cassini's Visual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer reveal the presence of a vast tropospheric cloud on Titan at latitudes 51 degrees to 68 degrees north and all longitudes observed (10 degrees to 190 degrees west). The derived characteristics indicate that this cloud is composed of ethane and forms as a result of stratospheric subsidence and the particularly cool conditions near the moon's north pole. Preferential condensation of ethane, perhaps as ice, at Titan's poles during the winters may partially explain the lack of liquid ethane oceans on Titan's surface at middle and lower latitudes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Atmosphere
  • Cold Temperature
  • Ethane*
  • Extraterrestrial Environment
  • Gases
  • Ice
  • Methane
  • Photochemistry
  • Saturn*
  • Spacecraft

Substances

  • Gases
  • Ice
  • Ethane
  • Methane