Magic Island on Titan: A Mystery With A Possible Solution
Magic Island on Titan: A Mystery With A Possible Solution
Scientists have emphasised explanations for one of the most mysterious and compelling features on Saturn's moon, Titan namely the “magic island”. The island was captured by the Cassini spacecraft during a flyby yet it had vanished during the next pass.
The brightest splodge has been spied in the Ligeia Mare which is a sea of methane and ethane found in the north pole of Titan. Icebergs, waves and bubbling of gas from the bottom of the lake are possible reasons according to the scientists.
A study by an international team relating to this finding has been published in the journal Nature Geoscience. Saturn's largest moon is similar to that of earth's in certain ways. The common features of the two moons are substantial atmosphere and a seasonal cycle. Wind and rain are responsible for shaping the surface and leading to the formation of seas, dunes, shorelines and river channels.
The mountains and dune fields in Titan are composed of ice as against rock or sand. Liquid hydrocarbons also play an important role in formulation of water on earth. Amidst the seas and lakes that dot the moon's northern polar region are filled with methane and ethane and not water. The existence of these is in an gaseous state on earth but typical temperatures at Titan of about -180C make this liquid.
Titan and Tethys Titan are shrouded in organic chemicals. Titan is the largest moon in Saturn and the second largest in the solar system. This is the only moon in the solar system with massive clouds and substantial atmosphere. Wind and rain have carved out dunes. Rivers and lakes similar to those found on earth.
On Titan it rains liquid methane and this fills the seas, lakes and rivers with hydrocarbons. The bright feature on the Titan spotted on July 10, 2013 is the island-like structure absent in the imagery of Ligeia Mare on previous 3 flybys of the moon.
The feature was missing on 26 July an it has not been seen since. The feature is too quick in appearance and disappearance to be a volcanic island. There are 4 different hypotheses to account for the waves, rising bubbles, suspended solids and floating solids.
Titan works on a 30 year seasonal cycle. The moon's northern region is postulated to be a more dynamic place as the summer solstice approaches in May 2017. Titan is between the vernal equinox and the summer solstice. Titan has surprised scientists at every turn, by their own admission.
This moon has many interesting features and it is possible that unknown phenomenons exist which scientists have still to find. Cassini is still exploring Titan and if the current trends of events are anything to go by, it will be an interesting and exciting journey ahead.
