Lakes of Saturn
Researchers have found evidence of lakes on Saturn's moon of Titan. While scientists theorized the existence of water on Titan, early evidence from NASA's Cassini space probe showed no such bodies. New evidence from Cassini shows a series of methane lakes. The lakes appear to be in the northern hemisphere. Titan's hazy atmosphere had caused problems for peering down to the surface, but Cassini's radar helped provide evidence for the lakes. Hydrocarbons - such as methane - are considered to be building blocks of life. The lakes suggest there is the potential for microscopic life, which can thrive in harsh environments. The composition of the liquid cannot be determined from radar observations; methane is the most plausible candidate.
January 8, 2007 6:59 AM | Category: Lake