Titan is the only object other than Earth where liquid hydrocarbon lakes and seas have actually been found (by Cassini) in its polar regions – in abundance in the north polar region and at least one of approximately 20,000 km2, called Ontario Lacus, on its south pole. Just recently, there have also been long-standing methane lakes, or puddles, in Titan’s “tropics” discovered.
The photo in this thread is by Cassini, which was at least a thousand of times closer. Titan is 1.2 million KM from Saturn, which Cassini was orbiting, while Earth, which JWST “orbits” is at least 1.2 billion KM from Saturn.
With its liquids (both surface and subsurface) and robust nitrogen atmosphere, Titan’s methane cycle bears a striking similarity to Earth’s water cycle, albeit at the much lower temperature of about 94 K (−179 °C; −290 °F).
This makes me wonder what would happen if someone ignited large explosives by some of these hydrocarbon pools… since there’s plenty of water ice, there’s oxygen tied up to react with…
A clearer picture, for those interested:
http://annesastronomynews.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Titan.jpg
Source
From the source:
Why the blur if the telescope is so powerful?
Titan is small, and very far away.
The photo in this thread is by Cassini, which was at least a thousand of times closer. Titan is 1.2 million KM from Saturn, which Cassini was orbiting, while Earth, which JWST “orbits” is at least 1.2 billion KM from Saturn.
Thanks for the clarification!
That’s way too cold in my opinion!
The future ski holiday destination of the rich
Humans are pretty good at warming things up
The US would like to know your location
For some reason, there are terrorists on Titan. The USA is preparing the Space Marines
This makes me wonder what would happen if someone ignited large explosives by some of these hydrocarbon pools… since there’s plenty of water ice, there’s oxygen tied up to react with…
A division of space force.
Led by Johnny Space
Chief Medic: Dr. Spaceman
Pronounced Spa-sche-min
*No 30 Rock fans here, I see.
These are not photographs I think? It’s computer generated.
These are photographs, actually
It looks far less habitable up close lol.