Titan’s surface

Definition

Titan's surface is the outermost layer of Saturn's largest moon, characterized by its dense, nitrogen-rich atmosphere and diverse terrain, including lakes of liquid methane and ethane. It is one of the most Earth-like places in the solar system with complex organic chemistry.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Titan has a thick atmosphere composed mostly of nitrogen with traces of methane and hydrogen.
2. It features vast dunes, river channels, and lakes primarily composed of liquid methane and ethane.
3. The surface temperature averages around -179 degrees Celsius (-290 degrees Fahrenheit).
4. The Huygens probe, part of the Cassini-Huygens mission, landed on Titan in 2005, providing direct data about its surface.
5. The surface pressure on Titan is about 1.5 times that of Earth's at sea level.

Review Questions

• What are the primary components of Titan's atmosphere?
• What was significant about the Huygens probe landing on Titan?
• Describe the temperature conditions on Titan's surface.

Related terms

Saturn: The sixth planet from the Sun, known for its prominent ring system.

Cassini-Huygens Mission: A collaborative NASA/ESA mission to study Saturn and its moons, particularly focusing on Titan.

Methane Lakes: Bodies of liquid methane found on Titan's surface, similar to Earth's lakes but composed of hydrocarbons.