Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, has an atmospheric system similar to Earth, except instead of water, the clouds are mostly made up of nitrogen with some methane, along with other hydrocarbons. Data collected by the Cassini spacecraft mission observing Titan has picked up huge toxic storm clouds near the south pole.
Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, has a dense atmospheric system comprised mostly of nitrogen with some methane along with other hydrocarbons.
Data collected by the Cassini spacecraft mission observing Titan has picked up huge toxic storm clouds near the south pole.
Results of a study examining the cloud formations have determined that they contain concentrations of hydrogen cyanide.
Astronomers are able to tell the chemical makeup of the moon’s atmosphere and surface using the Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer onboard the Cassini spacecraft.
Observed at around 186 miles above the surface of the moon, the clouds are higher than scientists had expected them to form.
Lead author of the study is quoted as saying: "The discovery suggests that the atmosphere of Titan’s southern hemisphere is cooling much faster than we expected."
Titan experiences seasons similar to Earth, only each lasts around seven years, and experts say that the change in seasons is causing the northern hemisphere of the moon to warm up significantly.
The change in temperature is pushing the warmer air to the south, which is creating the enormous polar cloud.
