First Results from Huygens (Forwarded)

ESA Science News
http://sci.esa.int

15 Jan 2005

First Results from Huygens

Scientists have revealed the their initial findings based on analysis of the
Huygens data. As well as images of Titan, sounds have also been recorded in the
atmosphere.

15 January 2005

DISR [Descent Imager and Spectral Radiometer]

* Composite images shows three dimensional structure
* Possible methane or ethane ground fog on surface
* Wind speed 7 metres per second at altitudes 10 to 20 km

[Image 1:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cassini-...Q71Y3E_1.html]
This image was returned yesterday, 14 January 2005, by ESA's Huygens probe
during its successful descent to land on Titan. This is the coloured view,
following processing to add reflection spectra data, gives a better indication
of the actual colour of the surface. Initially thought to be rocks or ice
blocks, they are more pebble-sized. The two rock-like objects just below the
middle of the image are about 15 centimetres (left) and 4 centimetres (centre)
across respectively, at a distance of about 85 centimetres from Huygens. The
surface is darker than originally expected, consisting of a mixture of water and
hydrocarbon ice. There is also evidence of erosion at the base of these objects,
indicating possible fluvial activity.

Credits: ESA/NASA/University of Arizona

[Image 2:
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEMTKR71Y3E_index_1.html]
A composite image showing a full 360-degree view around Huygens. The left-hand
side, behind Huygens, shows a boundary between light and dark areas. These
images were taken from an altitude of about 8 kilometres with a resolution of
about 20 metres per pixel.

Credits: ESA/NASA/University of Arizona

GCMS [Gas Chromatograph and Mass Spectrometer]

* Detailed analysis of methane: In stratosphere -- uniform mixing.
* 90 minutes into descent and the methane mixing ratio (relative to nitrogen)
changes indicating the possible presence of clouds.
* Methane mixing ratio is higher at the surface.

HASI [Huygens Atmospheric Structure Instrument]

* Data collected from entry covering the full deceleration of the probe and
conducting a full analysis of the atmospheric structure.
* Measurements of pressure and temperature against altitude achieved.
* Surface temperature estimated at 93.8 K.
* Microphone recorded sounds in the Titan atmosphere as the probe descended.
Full details,
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cassini-...5Q71Y3E_0.html

SSP [Surface Science Package]

* Recovered 3 hours 37 minutes of data, including 1 hour 10 minutes on the surface.
* No data from any of the nine sensors was lost.
* Deceleration of about 15g in 40 milliseconds when Huygens touched down.
* Touchdown took place 2 hours 27 minutes 57 seconds after atmosphere interface.
* Penetrometer measurements suggest a thin crust of over the surface.
Penetrometer extended 15 cm into the surface.
* Sonar measurements recorded data until about 12m above surface. Impact speed
on surface 4.5 metres per second.

Radio Experiments

* By using VLBI techniques 18 radio observatories around the world were able to
track the descent of the Huygens probe. This will allow scientist to determine
the position of Huygens to within a few kilometres and wind speed to a few
metres per second.

14 January 2005

DISR Images

[Image 1:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cassini-...O71Y3E_1.html]
Taken at an altitude of 8 kilometres with a resolution of 20 metres per pixel
the image shows what could be the landing site, with shorelines and boundaries
between raised ground and flooded plains.

Credit: ESA/NASA/University of Arizona

[Image 2:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cassini-...M71Y3E_1.html]
Taken from an altitude of 16.2 km this image has a resolution of around 40 m per
pixel. It shows possible drainage channels and a shoreline. Note: this image is
unprocessed.

Credit: ESA/NASA/University of Arizona

[Image 3:
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Cassini-...O71Y3E_0.html]
An unprocessed image of Titan's surface at the Huygens probe landing site
showing what are believed to be small sized blocks of ice.

Credit: ESA/NASA/University of Arizona

For further information please contact:


See also:

* Titan
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/obj...objectid=35129
* Instruments
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/obj...objectid=31193
* Engineering
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/obj...objectid=33006
* Cassini-Huygens Status Report
http://sci.esa.int/science-e/www/obj...objectid=36367