Possible volcano spotted on Titan
Posted: Fri, Jun 10, 2005, 8:08 AM ET (1208 GMT)
Scientists reported this week that they have identified what may be an "ice volcano" on the surface of Saturn's moon Titan. In a paper published in the latest issue of the journal Nature, scientists said that infrared images of Titan's surface taken by the Cassini spacecraft have turned up a circular feature about 30 kilometers in diameter. That feature, scientists conclude, is most likely a volcano that spews a mixture of methane and water ices, perhaps mixed with other hydrocarbons. Volcanoes like this may replenish the methane that makes up 2-3 percent of Titan's atmosphere.
Scientists reported this week that they have identified what may be an "ice volcano" on the surface of Saturn's moon Titan. In a paper published in the latest issue of the journal Nature, scientists said that infrared images of Titan's surface taken by the Cassini spacecraft have turned up a circular feature about 30 kilometers in diameter. That feature, scientists conclude, is most likely a volcano that spews a mixture of methane and water ices, perhaps mixed with other hydrocarbons. Volcanoes like this may replenish the methane that makes up 2-3 percent of Titan's atmosphere.
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