Titan's rotation reveals an internal ocean and changing zonal winds

Science. 2008 Mar 21;319(5870):1649-51. doi: 10.1126/science.1151639.

Abstract

Cassini radar observations of Saturn's moon Titan over several years show that its rotational period is changing and is different from its orbital period. The present-day rotation period difference from synchronous spin leads to a shift of approximately 0.36 degrees per year in apparent longitude and is consistent with seasonal exchange of angular momentum between the surface and Titan's dense superrotating atmosphere, but only if Titan's crust is decoupled from the core by an internal water ocean like that on Europa.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Atmosphere
  • Extraterrestrial Environment
  • Ice
  • Saturn*
  • Spacecraft
  • Water*
  • Wind

Substances

  • Ice
  • Water