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Possible contribution of different energy sources to the production of organics in Titan's atmosphere

Coll, P.; Raulin, F.; Navarro-González, R. +1 more

A quantitative comparison of the products arising from the irradiation of a Titan's simulated atmosphere is presented. The energy sources used represent some of the main events that occur in the satellite's atmosphere. All of the compounds identified are classified in the hydrocarbon and nitrile chemical families. Almost all of the detected compou…

Capability of the Cassini/Huygens PWA-HASI to measure electrical conductivity in Titan

Rodrigo, R.; López-Moreno, J. J.; Molina-Cuberos, G. J. +1 more

The penetration of the Huygens probe through the atmosphere of Titan in 2004 will provide a unique opportunity to measure the electrical properties of its lower atmosphere. Many studies have been carried out to predict the density of electrons and the distribution of the major positive ions, but there is no recent analysis concerning the electrica…

Propagation of electromagnetic waves in the lower ionosphere of Titan

Rodrigo, R.; López-Moreno, J. J.; Molina-Cuberos, G. J. +6 more

Towards the end of 2004 during the descent of the HUYGENS probe the Permittivity, Wave and Altimetry instrument (PWA) as part of the HASI experiment will investigate electrical properties and electric field fluctuations in the atmosphere of Titan below 170 km. We have modelled the propagation of low frequency electromagnetic waves in the lower ion…

Determination of physical properties of planetary sub-surface layers by artificial impacts and penetrometry

Kargl, G.; Ball, A. J.; Kömle, N. I.

In recent years the exploration of planetary bodies by surface probes has entered a new phase of interest. The mechanical properties of the near-surface layers of cometary and planetary bodies, including their strength, texture and layering, are important parameters needed both for a proper physical understanding of these bodies and for the design…