Titan is a really distinctive moon. Apart from Earth, it’s the solely planetary physique within the solar system (or past, for that matter) recognized to host energetic rivers, lakes, and seas. Nonetheless, not like Earth, Titan’s liquid options should not made from water, as a substitute composed of ultra-cooled hydrocarbons comparable to methane and ethane which might be chilled to some –179 levels Fahrenheit (–290 levels Celsius).
The moon’s hazy, ultra-dense methane ambiance can be very compelling, as Titan hosts storms and complex weather patterns that change with the seasons.
That’s why when workforce member Sebastien Rodriguez of the Universite Paris Cité awoke and found the brand new JWST photos have been in, he instantly emailed the remainder of the workforce, based on a NASA post. Heidi Hammel of the Affiliation of Universities for Analysis in Astronomy (AURA) and Webb Photo voltaic System GTO Undertaking Lead, responded to the chain with: “Unbelievable! Love seeing the cloud and the apparent albedo markings. So wanting ahead to the spectra! Congrats, all!!! Thanks!”
