Titan, a new world is unveiled

Figure 1 Titan at 2.035 microns (Cassini/VIMS) © NASA/JPL/VIMS team The image shows Titan at a wavelength of 2.035 micrometer (VIMS gives images at 352 wavelengths from 0.3 to 5 micron). The spatial resolution is already 3 times higher than from the best adaptive optics images, and spectra are obtained on each point of the image. Near the South Pole of Titan, a bright cloud is observed, possibly similar to the one observed from VLT/NACO in 2002 (see ESO press release of 1st April 2004). The interpretation of the contrasts in reflectance should give access to composition measurement of the surface of Titan, but this interpretation is only starting. The Cassini spacecraft will fly over Titan at a much lower altitude next autumn, and high precision images are expected at this occasion.Three co-investigators from LESIA are participating to the interpretation of VIMS data (P. Drossart, B. Sicardy et M. Combes)Gendron, E. ; Coustenis, A. ; Drossart, P. ; Combes, M. ; Hirtzig, M. ; Lacombe, F. ; Rouan, D. ; Collin, C. ; Pau, S. ; Lagrange, A.-M. ; Mouillet, D. ; Rabou, P. ; Fusco, T. ; Zins, G.VLT/NACO adaptive optics imaging of Titan. Astronomy and Astrophysics, 417, L21-L24 (2004)ESO Press Release du 1/4/2004 : http://eso.org/outreach/press-rel/pr-2004/phot-08-04.htmlNASA Press Release du 3/7/2004 : http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/multimedia/pia06407.html http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/news.cfm?release=2004-171

Contacts

Pierre Drossart (Observatoire de Paris, LESIA)

Dernière modification le 4 mars 2013