News and commentary about the Great Frontiers

ISS007-E-10807 (21 July 2003) --- This view of Earth's horizon as the sunsets over the Pacific Ocean was taken by an Expedition 7 crewmember onboard the International Space Station (ISS). Anvil tops of thunderclouds are also visible. Credit: Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center

Image Credit: ISS007-E-10807 (21 July 2003) – Earth Science and Remote Sensing Unit, NASA Johnson Space Center

Titan’s Dynamic Atmosphere

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One of the highlights of the recent Cassini flyby of Titan was a detailed analysis of the moon’s atmosphere. New images reveal a complex atmosphere filled with distinct haze layers, each layer possibly composed of a different hydrocarbon.

During a previous flyby, Cassini snapped images of cloud formations near Titan’s south pole. Clouds over mid-latitude regions were captured in new images and suggest a complex weather system. Scientists hope to learn more about the composition of these clouds, their source, and the overall global weather pattern on Titan during the Cassini mission.

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