James Webb telescope turns gaze to Saturn’s strange moon Titan

Titan is a really distinctive moon. In addition to Earth, it’s the solely planetary physique within the solar system (or past, for that matter) recognized to host energetic rivers, lakes, and seas. Nevertheless, not like Earth, Titan’s liquid options usually are not product of water, as a substitute composed of ultra-cooled hydrocarbons corresponding to methane and ethane which can be chilled to some ­–179 levels Fahrenheit (–290 levels Celsius).

The moon’s hazy, ultra-dense methane ambiance can be very compelling, as Titan hosts storms and complex weather patterns that change with the seasons.

That’s why when staff member Sebastien Rodriguez of the Universite Paris Cité awakened and found the brand new JWST photos had been in, he instantly emailed the remainder of the staff, in accordance with a NASA post. Heidi Hammel of the Affiliation of Universities for Analysis in Astronomy (AURA) and Webb Photo voltaic System GTO Mission Lead, responded to the chain with: “Incredible! Love seeing the cloud and the plain albedo markings. So trying ahead to the spectra! Congrats, all!!! Thanks!”