Scientists looked again at data from the Cassini spacecraft that studied Saturn and its moons. Earlier work had suggested Titan has a deep ocean under its ice. The new analysis says a thick, viscous slushy layer with meltwater pockets fits the measurements better.
Researchers measured a delay in how Titan changes shape under Saturn's gravity by following radio waves during Cassini fly-bys. The slushy model also changes ideas about habitability because small pockets of liquid could be warmer and have more concentrated nutrients. The Dragonfly mission is planned to visit Titan and could test this idea.
Difficult words
- viscous — thick and slow to move or flow
- slushy — partly melted ice mixed with water
- meltwater — water that comes from melted ice or snow
- delay — a time difference before something happens
- habitability — ability of a place to support life
- measurement — numbers or data that show what was measuredmeasurements
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- What would you like to learn if you could visit Titan?
- Do you think small warm pockets of liquid could support life? Why?
- Why are radio waves useful for studying distant moons?
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