卡西尼号雷达探测泰坦星的表面。

Cassini radar views the surface of Titan.

作者信息

Elachi C, Wall S, Allison M, Anderson Y, Boehmer R, Callahan P, Encrenaz P, Flamini E, Franceschetti G, Gim Y, Hamilton G, Hensley S, Janssen M, Johnson W, Kelleher K, Kirk R, Lopes R, Lorenz R, Lunine J, Muhleman D, Ostro S, Paganelli F, Picardi G, Posa F, Roth L, Seu R, Shaffer S, Soderblom L, Stiles B, Stofan E, Vetrella S, West R, Wood C, Wye L, Zebker H

机构信息

Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA.

出版信息

Science. 2005 May 13;308(5724):970-4. doi: 10.1126/science.1109919.

DOI:10.1126/science.1109919

PMID:15890871

Abstract

The Cassini Titan Radar Mapper imaged about 1% of Titan's surface at a resolution of approximately 0.5 kilometer, and larger areas of the globe in lower resolution modes. The images reveal a complex surface, with areas of low relief and a variety of geologic features suggestive of dome-like volcanic constructs, flows, and sinuous channels. The surface appears to be young, with few impact craters. Scattering and dielectric properties are consistent with porous ice or organics. Dark patches in the radar images show high brightness temperatures and high emissivity and are consistent with frozen hydrocarbons.

摘要

卡西尼号土卫六雷达测绘仪以约0.5公里的分辨率对土卫六约1%的表面进行了成像，并以较低分辨率模式对更大区域进行了成像。这些图像显示出一个复杂的表面，有低起伏区域以及各种地质特征，暗示着穹顶状火山构造、熔岩流和蜿蜒的河道。表面看起来很年轻，撞击坑很少。散射和介电特性与多孔冰或有机物相符。雷达图像中的暗斑显示出高亮度温度和高发射率，与冻结的碳氢化合物相符。