High-Altitude Production of Titan's Aerosols
Young, D. T.; Lunine, J. I.; Westlake, J.; Waite, J. H., Jr.; McKay, C. P.; Lewis, W. S.
Abstract
Measurements with the Cassini Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) and two Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) sensors, the Ion beam Spectrometer (IBS) and the Electron Spectrometer (ELS), have revealed the presence of a significant population of heavy hydrocarbon and nitrile species well above the homopause, with masses as large as several thousand Daltons (Da). The INMS ion and neutral spectra cover the mass range 1-100 Da. The IBS has measured positive ions up to 350 Da, while the ELS has detected concentrations of negative ions as high as 20% of the total negatively charged ionosphere component extending to over 13,000 Da. These measurements have motivated the development of new atmospheric models and have significant implications for our knowledge and understanding of Titan's haze layers.