Search Publications
An Evolutionary Turbulent Model of Saturn's Subnebula: Implications for the Origin of the Atmosphere of Titan
Mousis, Olivier; Gautier, Daniel; Bockelée-Morvan, Dominique
We have elaborated an evolutionary turbulent model of the subnebula of Saturn derived from that of Dubrulle (1993, Icarus106, 59-76) for the solar nebula, which is valid for a geometrically thin disk. We demonstrate that if carbon and nitrogen were in the form of CO and N 2, respectively, in the early subnebula, these molecules were not…
Transition from Gaseous Compounds to Aerosols in Titan's Atmosphere
McKay, Christopher P.; Lebonnois, Sébastien; Bakes, E. L. O.
We investigate the chemical transition of simple molecules like C 2H 2 and HCN into aerosol particles in the context of Titan's atmosphere. Experiments that synthesize analogs (tholins) for these aerosols can help illuminate and constrain these polymerization mechanisms. Using information available from these experiments, we …
The Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer for the Huygens Probe
Israel, G.; Atreya, S. K.; Lunine, J. I. +16 more
The Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) on the Huygens Probe will measure the chemical composition of Titan's atmosphere from 170 km altitude (∼1 hPa) to the surface (∼1500 hPa) and determine the isotope ratios of the major gaseous constituents. The GCMS will also analyze gas samples from the Aerosol Collector Pyrolyser (ACP) and may be abl…
Progress in planetary lightning
Russell, C. T.; Borucki, W. J.; Bar-Nun, A. +1 more
We review the progress in the last decade in the field of planetary lightning. We provide background covering terrestrial lightning and newly discovered associated phenomena such as sprites. We concentrate on the theory and observations regarding lightning at Jupiter, especially the discoveries made by the Galileo orbiter and entry probe. Recent o…
The Characterisation of Titan's Atmospheric Physical Properties by the Huygens Atmospheric Structure Instrument (Hasi)
Rodrigo, R.; Barucci, M. A.; Fulchignoni, M. +25 more
The Huygens Atmospheric Structure Instrument (HASI) is a multi-sensor package which has been designed to measure the physical quantities characterising the atmosphere of Titan during the Huygens probe descent on Titan and at the surface. HASI sensors are devoted to the study of Titan's atmospheric structure and electric properties, and to provide …
The Descent Imager/Spectral Radiometer (DISR) Experiment on the Huygens Entry Probe of Titan
Tomasko, M. G.; Smith, P. H.; Fellows, C. +11 more
The payload of the Huygens Probe into the atmosphere of Titan includes the Descent Imager/Spectral Radiometer (DISR). This instrument includes an integrated package of several optical instruments built around a silicon charge coupled device (CCD) detector, a pair of linear InGaAs array detectors, and several individual silicon detectors. Fiber opt…
The Huygens Probe: Science, Payload and Mission Overview
Matson, D. L.; Lebreton, J. -P.
Huygens is an entry probe designed to descend under parachute through the atmosphere of Titan, Saturn's largest moon, down to the surface. The main Huygens science mission phase occurs during the 2 21/2 hours parachute descent. Measurements will also be conducted during the 3 min entry and possibly up to about one hour on the surface if…
Organic Chemistry and Exobiology on Titan
Owen, Tobias; Raulin, François
Exobiology is not only the study of the origin, distribution and evolution of life in the universe, but also of structures — including at the molecular level, and processes — including organic chemical transformations — related to life. In that respect, with its dense nitrogen atmosphere, which includes a noticeable fraction of methane, and the ma…
Huygens' Surface Science Package
Leese, M. R.; Hathi, B.; Zarnecki, J. C. +2 more
The design and performance of the Surface Science Package (SSP) on the Huygens probe are discussed. This instrument consists of nine separate sensors that are designed to measure a wide range of physical properties of Titan's lower atmosphere, surface, and sub-surface. By measuring a number of physical properties of the surface it is expected that…
Photoelectric Charging of Submicron Aerosols and Macromolecules in the Titan Haze
McKay, Christopher P.; Bakes, E. L. O.; Bauschlicher, Charles W.
We quantify the charge states of submicrometer aerosols and aromatic macromolecules in Titan's organic haze. The aerosol charge is balanced between the recombination of positive ions with the aerosol plus the ejection of electrons from the aerosol via the UV-driven photoelectric effect and the recombination of electrons with the aerosol. During th…