Titan: Saturn's Moon

Size?

Largest moon of Saturn; 2nd largest in solar system

Why is it so unique?

It’s the only moon with substantial atmosphere

Pressure

1.6 times Earth’s

Surface

frozen and thicker than Earth’s

temperature

-180ºC/-290ºC

Composition

90% N, rest is complex hydrocarbons (necessary for life) and CO2

How was N2 formed?

NH3 (icy ammonia) evaporated and was broken up by UV into H and N

How were complex hydrocarbons formed?

CH4 (methane) evaporated and broke up by UV into H and complex hydrocarbons

Describe the physical terrain

• Lakes of methane and ethane

• Possibility of liquid ocean subsurface based on the small changes to Titan’s shape

• Has outgassing (cryovolcanism)

Why is its atmosphere so significant?

Because it has a unique composition for life and a methane-based sublimation temperature. Also because it’s further from Jupiter so comets can’t hurt the atmosphere.

Cassini-Huygens Mission

Take photos of Titan

Energy?

SCARCE

• Less energetic reactions (“slow life”)

• Localized life around volcanoes

• Potentially, energy could be extracted from organic compounds in the atmosphere

Life is…

BLEAK BUT NOT IMPOSSIBLE