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Huygens Landed with a 'Splat'
There were three scenarios for the landing on Titan, assuming all went well with the hardware itself. The Huygens probe could land on solid ground, in mud, or in liquid like a lake or even ocean. The three choices could be summarized as: Would humanity's first encounter with another planet's moon end with a thud, splat or splash?
There were three scenarios for the landing on Titan, assuming all went well with the hardware itself. The Huygens probe could land on solid ground, in mud, or in liquid like a lake or even ocean. The three choices could be summarized as: Would humanity's first encounter with another planet's moon end with a thud, splat or splash?
First Landing, Outer Solar System
Huygens is mankind's first successful attempt to land a probe on another a world in the outer Solar System. Today, after its seven-year journey through the Solar System on board the Cassini spacecraft, the Huygens probe has successfully descended through the atmosphere of Titan, Saturn's largest moon, and safely landed on its surface.
Huygens is mankind's first successful attempt to land a probe on another a world in the outer Solar System. Today, after its seven-year journey through the Solar System on board the Cassini spacecraft, the Huygens probe has successfully descended through the atmosphere of Titan, Saturn's largest moon, and safely landed on its surface.
Huygens, Phone Home
Huygens appears to be on track for its historic descent through Titan's atmosphere later today. The first of Huygens' images is expected to arrive on Earth shortly after 5:00 pm GMT (11:00 am EST).
Huygens appears to be on track for its historic descent through Titan's atmosphere later today. The first of Huygens' images is expected to arrive on Earth shortly after 5:00 pm GMT (11:00 am EST).
Aiming for Safe Harbor
During its descent towards the surface of Saturn's moon Titan, the Huygens probe will image the landscape surrounding its landing target. Zooming in on what lies underneath the thick haze can offer only surprises since little is known about the basic liquid, solid or swampy composition.
During its descent towards the surface of Saturn's moon Titan, the Huygens probe will image the landscape surrounding its landing target. Zooming in on what lies underneath the thick haze can offer only surprises since little is known about the basic liquid, solid or swampy composition.
Spin Up To Crash Course
While Christmas brought good news to the scientists watching what was happening with the separation of the Cassini and Huygens space probes, some clever calculations confirmed how exactly everyone knew the right course had been set in motion.
While Christmas brought good news to the scientists watching what was happening with the separation of the Cassini and Huygens space probes, some clever calculations confirmed how exactly everyone knew the right course had been set in motion.
Landing on Liquid?
After flying 2 billion miles, a probe to Saturn's moon will attempt what has never been tried before. The Huygens' probe will plunge into Titan and its mysterious atmosphere on Jan. 14, 2005. Whether it will crash or splash has become of extreme scientific interest to those watching the controlled collision.
After flying 2 billion miles, a probe to Saturn's moon will attempt what has never been tried before. The Huygens' probe will plunge into Titan and its mysterious atmosphere on Jan. 14, 2005. Whether it will crash or splash has become of extreme scientific interest to those watching the controlled collision.
Titanic Crunch, Squelch or Splash?
Land, sea or mud--which will greet the Huygens probe if it reaches the surface of Saturn's largest moon, Titan, after Christmas?
Land, sea or mud--which will greet the Huygens probe if it reaches the surface of Saturn's largest moon, Titan, after Christmas?
Fireball Falling into Titan's Soup
When the Huygens probe heats up from friction as it descends into Titan's thick atmosphere, will its light be visible from ground telescopes around the world?
When the Huygens probe heats up from friction as it descends into Titan's thick atmosphere, will its light be visible from ground telescopes around the world?
Landing Site for Huygens
The Cassini flyby of Titan has revealed complex landform boundaries and what many scientists hope is a rich source of oily lakes. Whether the January descent of the Huygens probe to the surface can target such shorelines remains a complex mystery to unravel over the next two months.
The Cassini flyby of Titan has revealed complex landform boundaries and what many scientists hope is a rich source of oily lakes. Whether the January descent of the Huygens probe to the surface can target such shorelines remains a complex mystery to unravel over the next two months.
Titan on Tuesday
On Tuesday, October 26, the Cassini spacecraft will make its closest approach yet to Saturn's largest moon, Titan. Cassini will analyze the moon's thick atmosphere and take pictures of its mysterious surface.
On Tuesday, October 26, the Cassini spacecraft will make its closest approach yet to Saturn's largest moon, Titan. Cassini will analyze the moon's thick atmosphere and take pictures of its mysterious surface.