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When? This feed was archived on April 20, 2017 14:46 (7y ago). Last successful fetch was on April 20, 2017 12:56 (7y ago)

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Manage episode 177458698 series 1424224
Content provided by McDonald Observatory. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by McDonald Observatory or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

The Cassini spacecraft has been orbiting Saturn for almost 13 years. During that time, it’s made many visits to the giant planet’s moons. It’s paid special attention to the biggest moon, Titan, passing less than a thousand miles from it dozens of times. And on Saturday, it’ll make one final pass by the big moon — its final close encounter with any of Saturn’s moons.

Titan is veiled by smog — an orange haze that makes it impossible to see the surface. But Cassini has viewed the moon at wavelengths that are invisible to the eye. Those wavelengths pass through the haze, allowing Cassini to study the surface in detail.

Among other things, those observations have revealed sand dunes that can be hundreds of miles long, and lakes and seas that are filled with liquid hydrocarbons. The largest is bigger than Lake Superior. Occasional rains may fill rivers, which then flow into the lakes and seas.

Cassini has also given us hints of even more liquid far below Titan’s surface — an ocean of water mixed with ammonia. It could be many miles thick, and contain far more water than in all of Earth’s oceans.

Cassini will fly about 600 miles above Titan on Saturday, giving scientists a farewell look at the intriguing moon. As a bonus, Titan’s gravity will reshape Cassini’s orbit, placing it on a course that’ll carry the craft between Saturn and the inner edge of its rings — beginning the final phase of its lifetime of discovery. More about that tomorrow.

Script by Damond Benningfield

  continue reading

28 episodes

Artwork
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Archived series ("HTTP Redirect" status)

Replaced by: StarDate Premium Audio

When? This feed was archived on April 20, 2017 14:46 (7y ago). Last successful fetch was on April 20, 2017 12:56 (7y ago)

Why? HTTP Redirect status. The feed permanently redirected to another series.

What now? If you were subscribed to this series when it was replaced, you will now be subscribed to the replacement series. This series will no longer be checked for updates. If you believe this to be in error, please check if the publisher's feed link below is valid and contact support to request the feed be restored or if you have any other concerns about this.

Manage episode 177458698 series 1424224
Content provided by McDonald Observatory. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by McDonald Observatory or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://player.fm/legal.

The Cassini spacecraft has been orbiting Saturn for almost 13 years. During that time, it’s made many visits to the giant planet’s moons. It’s paid special attention to the biggest moon, Titan, passing less than a thousand miles from it dozens of times. And on Saturday, it’ll make one final pass by the big moon — its final close encounter with any of Saturn’s moons.

Titan is veiled by smog — an orange haze that makes it impossible to see the surface. But Cassini has viewed the moon at wavelengths that are invisible to the eye. Those wavelengths pass through the haze, allowing Cassini to study the surface in detail.

Among other things, those observations have revealed sand dunes that can be hundreds of miles long, and lakes and seas that are filled with liquid hydrocarbons. The largest is bigger than Lake Superior. Occasional rains may fill rivers, which then flow into the lakes and seas.

Cassini has also given us hints of even more liquid far below Titan’s surface — an ocean of water mixed with ammonia. It could be many miles thick, and contain far more water than in all of Earth’s oceans.

Cassini will fly about 600 miles above Titan on Saturday, giving scientists a farewell look at the intriguing moon. As a bonus, Titan’s gravity will reshape Cassini’s orbit, placing it on a course that’ll carry the craft between Saturn and the inner edge of its rings — beginning the final phase of its lifetime of discovery. More about that tomorrow.

Script by Damond Benningfield

  continue reading

28 episodes

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