14 DAY TRIAL // Having analyzed information and images provided by the Cassini spacecraft, NASA scientists documented the presence of a freakishly big methane ice cloud over Saturn's moon Titan.
The cloud, imaged in the picture accompanying this article, is said to be hovering over Titan's north pole at a rather impressive altitude. Interestingly enough, astronomers say that it very much resembles clouds documented over Earth's poles.
Not exactly a new find
It is understood that scientists with NASA first became aware of the existence of this cloud about 8 years ago. However, it took them quite a while to figure out what it was made of and how it ended up there.
More so given the fact that, by the looks of it, the methane clouds that form on Titan usually remain quite close to the moon's surface and do not venture at altitudes as high as the one this fluffy fellow now sits at.
“The idea that methane clouds could form this high on Titan is completely new,” researcher Carrie Anderson explained in a statement. “Nobody considered that possible before,” the NASA scientist wished to stress.
The cloud's anatomy
With the help of the Cassini spacecraft, NASA astronomers have found that this freaky cloud on Titan comprises small particles of ethane ice. Still, some of its regions appear to be surprisingly clumpy and dense. It is these regions that scientists believe are made up of methane ice.
As explained by NASA, “Initial observations of the cloud system were consistent with small particles composed of ethane ice. Later observations revealed some regions to be clumpier and denser, suggesting that more than one ice could be present. The team confirmed that the larger particles are the right size for methane ice.”
The cloud is said to be located just above 65 degrees north latitude. Having closely observed this methane ice formation, NASA scientists now theorize that such clouds can form on Titan at altitudes ranging from 98,000 to 164,000 feet (30 to 50 kilometers).
How the cloud formed
Evidence at hand indicates that this methane ice cloud came to form high above Titan's north pole due to the fact that, when compared to the moon's south pole, this region is now somewhat colder. Thus, it is argued that the temperature difference between Titan's north and south pole proved more than enough to birth methane ice.
Interestingly enough, the cloud is said to have formed due to a fairly peculiar cycle of evaporation and condensation. Specifically, the cloud is believed to have come into being after somewhat warmer air containing methane reached high altitudes and started making its way towards the moon's winter pole. Having reached its destination, the air cooled and started to descend, thus birthing the methane cloud.
“Titan continues to amaze with natural processes similar to those on the Earth, yet involving materials different from our familiar water,” scientist Scott Edgington commented on the discovery of this methane ice cloud on Saturn's moon Titan.