Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astronomy
Scientific paper
Feb 1982
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1982sciam.246...98o&link_type=abstract
Scientific American, vol. 246, Feb. 1982, p. 98-101, 104-109.
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astronomy
12
Atmospheric Composition, Satellite Atmospheres, Titan, Voyager 1 Spacecraft, Atmospheric Chemistry, Emission Spectra, Histories, Infrared Astronomy, Methane, Nitrogen, Nitrogen Compounds, Satellite Surfaces, Saturn (Planet), Ultraviolet Spectrometers, Voyager 2 Spacecraft, Aerosols, Voyager 1, Nitrogen, Reflectivity, Hypotheses, Density, Gases, Structure, Emissions, Hydrocarbons, Surface, Intensity, Wavelengths, Formation, Saturn, Satellites, Titan, Atmosphere, Chemistry, Liquids, Comparisons, Characteristi
Scientific paper
Historical data and data from the Voyager spacecraft are reviewed in an attempt to model the atmospheric processes of Saturn moon Titan. Earth based IR astronomy established that Titan has a CH4 atmosphere, Voyager I UV spectrometer readings revealed the presence of nitrogen, and IR readings suggested the existence of hydrocarbons and nitrogenous compounds. A model is proposed in which methane on Titan behaves much like water does on earth and in the same relative abundance. Further modelling is suggested for the formation of methane hydrate on Titan by the accretion of gases after the formation of the moon, and the subsequent heating of the planetary interior by the decay of radioactive elements freed the ice-trapped gases into the atmosphere. It is noted that an alternative explanation of a greenhouse effect having raised the temperature to 150 K is also possible.
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