Sights and Sounds of Titan

ESA Small "rocks," possibly made of water ice, at the Huygens landing site. Evidence of erosion at the base of these objects suggests fluvial activity. The right panel shows, approximately, the true color of the scene.

The temperature of the landing site itself was minus 291 degrees F. A "penetrometer" on the bottom of the probe poked into the ground. The soil, it found, has the consistency of wet sand or clay and is covered by a thin crust ... of something. Scientists are still analyzing all this data.

ESA A 360o panoramic view of the terrain around Huygens' landing site. Scientists speculate that the white streaks are a ground 'fog' of methane or ethane vapour.

There are enough photos, sounds and other measurements to keep researchers busy for years. The data released so far are preliminary, just a fraction of the total. Stay tuned for more....

Author's Note: Cassini-Huygens is a joint mission of NASA, ESA and the Italian Space Agency. ESA's Huygens probe was carried to Saturn's orbit aboard Cassini, and sent on its way to Titan on Dec. 24th, 2004. Cassini continues to orbit Saturn on a four-year prime mission to study the planet, its rings, moons and magnetosphere.

Want to know more?

Well, you can also read...

An editorial on FirstScience called Titan Tastic!

Plus I have put together a Special Fact File Section with Trivia all about Saturn