Posted on 03/18/2014 1:25:36 PM PDT by don-o
Scientists believe they have detected the first liquid waves on the surface of another world.
The signature of isolated ripples was observed in a sea called Punga Mare on the surface of Saturn's moon Titan.
However, these seas are filled not with water, but with hydrocarbons like methane and ethane.
These exist in their liquid state on Titan, where the surface temperature averages about -180C.
Planetary scientist Jason Barnes discussed details of his findings at the 45th Lunar and Planetary Science Conference (LPSC) in Texas this week. Continue reading the main story “Start Quote
We think we've found the first waves outside the Earth”
Dr Jason Barnes University of Idaho
Titan is a strange, looking-glass version of Earth with a substantial atmosphere and a seasonal cycle. Wind and rain shape the surface to form river channels, seas, dunes and shorelines.
But much of what's familiar is also turned sideways: the moon's mountains and dune fields are made of ice, rather than rock or sand, and liquid hydrocarbons take up many of the roles played by water on Earth.
The vast majority of Titan's lakes and seas are concentrated around the north polar region. Just one of these bodies of liquid - Ligeia Mare - is estimated to contain about 9,000 cubic km of mostly liquid methane, equating to about 40 times the proven reserves of oil and gas on Earth.
(Excerpt) Read more at bbc.com ...
Ping
Way down by the Methane Sea.
Kowabunga
It would be very cool to see.
Maybe because the Malaysian Airlines 777 crashed into it?
nah, it’s cuz of gorebal warming and stuff!
How did dinosaurs get on Titan?
You beat me to it.
indeed.
They built spaceships about 65 million years ago and hauled ass from here, silly.
Surf’s up, dude!
Probably not drinkable...
They must have had lots of dinosaurs and pre-historic plant life to create all those hydrocarbons....
I never read that one, but it sounds good in wikipedia review. Saw that Jerry Garcia liked it, too.
Don’t tell the EPA...
Well there most certainly must be life there!/s
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