Titan's "Nile River" Discovered

Greetings, ATS!

This article from Discovery News reports that a river that bears a remarkable resemblance to the Nile has been discovered on Titan.

The Cassini Solstice mission has discovered what appears to be a miniature version* of the Nile River on Saturn's largest moon, Titan. The 400 kilometer (250 mile) long feature -- from 'headwaters' to a large sea -- is the longest extraterrestrial river ever to be discovered and imaged to such high resolution. Using Cassini's radar imaging instruments, mission scientists were able to deduce that the feature is indeed a river as the dark, smooth surface within the meanders and channel suggest the presence of a liquid.

I suppose they are guessing that the liquid is water, I'm not sure how they can tell. Could it be a river of mercury? Or acid? Regardless....could it harbor life?

I love these types of articles, really make you think. Enjoy!

reply to post by smyleegrl


Cool spot and thanks for sharing.

Regarding Titan, i thought they had figured it out to be rather earth like (lakes, rivers, seas, mountains, etc) but that the atmosphere is extremely methane heavy. So, basically, although the potential is there for a visit we would need far greater tech (essentially) in order to survive - if we managed to touch down at all.

I am sure i have read that Titan has rain storms, etc.

Posted yesterday already.

reply to post by mysterioustranger

I did a search, sorry it didn't show up.

Mods...do your thang....

reply to post by smyleegrl


If only people bothered to read the article they link themselves.

the thick Titan atmosphere is a frigid one, meaning liquid water couldn't possibly flow. The liquids on Titan are therefore composed of hydrocarbons such as methane and ethane.

Originally posted by wildespace
reply to post by smyleegrl

 

If only people bothered to read the article they link themselves.

the thick Titan atmosphere is a frigid one, meaning liquid water couldn't possibly flow. The liquids on Titan are therefore composed of hydrocarbons such as methane and ethane.

(Blushing furiously) I missed that part. Maybe when my son was trying to climb up on my shoulders.
Thanks for the correction.

Thread closed.

Please continue discussion in original thread found in link below
River System Spotted on Saturn’s Moon Titan

Thank you