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The atmosphere of Titan
Author(s) -
Gross S. H.
Publication year - 1974
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg012i003p00435
Subject(s) - titan (rocket family) , astrobiology , planet , atmosphere of titan , atmosphere (unit) , solar system , methane , exoplanet , environmental science , geology , atmospheric sciences , astronomy , physics , meteorology , ecology , biology
Titan, a satellite of Saturn, is unique in that it is the only satellite in the solar system with an extensive atmosphere, possibly more massive than that of the earth. Methane and hydrogen have been discovered, and a greenhouse effect is apparent from infrared measurements. It may be enshrouded by clouds, and this intriguing body may, in time, provide clues to the evolution of the major planets and their satellites. At present, interpretation of the observational evidence concerning the properties of Titan is somewhat speculative and controversial. The status of the observations and theoretical studies is assessed.