Article

Cassini radar views the surface of Titan.

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA.
Science (impact factor: 31.2). 06/2005; 308(5724):970-4. DOI:10.1126/science.1109919 pp.970-4
Source: PubMed

ABSTRACT The Cassini Titan Radar Mapper imaged about 1% of Titan's surface at a resolution of approximately 0.5 kilometer, and larger areas of the globe in lower resolution modes. The images reveal a complex surface, with areas of low relief and a variety of geologic features suggestive of dome-like volcanic constructs, flows, and sinuous channels. The surface appears to be young, with few impact craters. Scattering and dielectric properties are consistent with porous ice or organics. Dark patches in the radar images show high brightness temperatures and high emissivity and are consistent with frozen hydrocarbons.

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Keywords

0.5 kilometer
 
Cassini Titan Radar Mapper imaged
 
complex surface
 
Dark patches
 
dome-like volcanic constructs
 
emissivity
 
geologic features suggestive
 
images
 
low relief
 
porous ice
 
radar images
 
Scattering
 
sinuous channels