Unusual temperature patterns spotted on Saturn moon
Posted: Tue, Mar 30, 2010, 7:03 AM ET (1103 GMT)
Data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft have revealed an unusual pattern of temperatures on the surface of one of Saturn's moons, scientists said Monday. Images and thermal data collected by Cassini during a February 13 flyby of the moon Mimas showed that the warmest temperatures were on regions of the surface at local morning, instead of afternoon as expected. Moreover, instead of gradual variations in temperature the Cassini data revealed sharp regions, in a shape reminiscent of the Pac-Man video game character, where temperatures were about 15 degrees warmer than the rest of the surface. Scientists suspect the temperature variations are linked to variations in the texture of the moon's surface. Mimas is often called the "Death Star" moon since its gray color and the presence of a large crater resemble the giant space station from the movie "Star Wars".
Data from NASA's Cassini spacecraft have revealed an unusual pattern of temperatures on the surface of one of Saturn's moons, scientists said Monday. Images and thermal data collected by Cassini during a February 13 flyby of the moon Mimas showed that the warmest temperatures were on regions of the surface at local morning, instead of afternoon as expected. Moreover, instead of gradual variations in temperature the Cassini data revealed sharp regions, in a shape reminiscent of the Pac-Man video game character, where temperatures were about 15 degrees warmer than the rest of the surface. Scientists suspect the temperature variations are linked to variations in the texture of the moon's surface. Mimas is often called the "Death Star" moon since its gray color and the presence of a large crater resemble the giant space station from the movie "Star Wars".
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Thursday, March 23
Startup’s 3D-printed rocket delivers stunning night launch but fails to reach orbit
CNN — 7:22 am ET (1122 GMT) Relativity Space's launch marked a milestone for 3D-printed rockets, even if it failed to reach orbit
Quartz — 7:21 am ET (1121 GMT) Relativity’s first 3D-printed rocket launches successfully but fails to reach orbit
CNBC — 7:20 am ET (1120 GMT) Relativity Space's first launch fails to reach orbit, but proves its 3D-printing rocket tech works
TechCrunch — 7:20 am ET (1120 GMT) Virgin Orbit to Resume Operations as Funding Search Continues
Wall Street Journal — 7:18 am ET (1118 GMT) |
