Currently, sci.esa.int is under review and not being updated. For the latest information and news from ESA science missions and scientific results, please visit esa.int. For a comprehensive overview of ESA’s Science Programme and its missions, please refer to science.esa.int. For in-depth technical information aimed at ESA's scientific communities, you may also wish to consult cosmos.esa.int.

Asset Publisher

Back Titan's Rotation Reveals an Internal Ocean and Changing Zonal Winds

Titan's Rotation Reveals an Internal Ocean and Changing Zonal Winds

Publication date: 21 March 2008

Authors: Lorenz, R.D. et al.

Journal: Science
Volume: 319
Issue: 5870
Page: 1649-1651
Year: 2008

Copyright: AAAS

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 0.36° 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.

Link to publication
Last Update: Sep 1, 2019 9:08:10 AM
14-Jun-2026 01:23 UT

ShortUrl Portlet

Shortcut URL

https://sci.esa.int/s/wQd0bkA

Images And Videos

Related Publications

Related Links

See Also

Documentation