This new Cassini image shows that Saturn’s atmosphere is an active and dynamic place, full of storms and powerful winds
This new image from the Cassini spacecraft shows Saturn's moon Titan in ultraviolet
and infrared wavelengths. It was taken Oct. 26 during a close flyby and released
yesterday.
The image is constructed from four observations acquired through different color filters. Red and green colors represent infrared wavelengths and show areas where atmospheric methane absorbs light. These colors reveal a brighter (redder) northern hemisphere. Blue represents ultraviolet wavelengths and shows the high atmosphere and detached hazes.
Titan has a gigantic atmosphere, extending hundreds of miles above the surface. The sharp variations in brightness on Titan's surface (and clouds near the south pole) are apparent at infrared wavelengths.
Scientists are still analyzing images and data from the flyby in an effort to better plan the descent of Cassini's Huygens probe to the surface of Titan later this year.
Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute
-- SPACE.com Staff
Credit: NASA/JPL/Space Science Institute
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