Tantalizing Titan
Explanation:
Normally hidden by a thick,
hazy atmosphere,
tantalizing features on Titan's surface appear in
this
false-color view.
The image was recorded as the Cassini spacecraft approached its
first
close flyby of Saturn's
smog-shrouded moon
on October 26.
Here, red and green colors represent specific infrared wavelengths
absorbed by Titan's
atmospheric methane while
bright and dark surface areas are revealed in a more penetrating
infrared band.
Ultraviolet data showing the extensive upper atmosphere and
haze layers is seen as blue.
Sprawling across the 5,000 kilometer wide moon, the bright
continent-sized
feature known as
Xanadu is near
picture center, bordered at the left by contrasting dark
terrain.
Saturn orbiter
Cassini and
Titan lander Huygens plan
further
explorations, but for now the origin and nature of Titan's surface
features remain unknown.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
