One of the most intriguing moons of Saturn is also its largest, where Titan has left scientists and astronomers baffled by its geological processes including its surface features and atmosphere. However only special types of cameras and telescopes can peer through the moon's thick atmosphere since the natural satellite is enshrouded in a dense, golden haze as NASA mission scientists describe this as similar to smog.
With the help of NASA's Cassini spacecraft's radar, astronomers were able to pierce through the thick clouds of Titan which unraveled the mysterious landscape of the moon. In this new study, Titan can reveal crucial clues about what lies underneath the distant moon's crust. Ever since, scientists have been speculating that Titan possesses oceans that are filled with liquid methane, however, it was a challenge to confirm this theory due to the moon's almost opaque atmosphere, that shielded from any direct observations.
During past flybys by the Cassini probe, confirmation of liquid methane and ethane was received as Titan is almost covered by these lakes and seas that are located close to its polar regions. With this new data, scientists have discovered that apart from Titan, other small bodies and moons across the solar system apparently contains a sub surface ocean of liquid water that is similar to molten mantle, much like the crust on Earth.
However, the only difference for Titan is that its bedrock is far more softer than the rocks on our planet. In addition, according to deputy leader for Cassini's radar team, Stephen Wall, they also located the highest peak on Titan.
Wall describes this as not the only highest peak ever discovered on the surface of Titan but it could be the highest point yet that the team was able to find, considering that the Titan is two and half times smaller than Earth. Mount Everest is at 29,092 feet and Titan's highest peak is at 10,948 feet.
Scientists also say that Titan's soft bedrock can have a significant effect on its lunar mountains where this can limit the growth and height of mountain ranges. Further analysis is needed to investigate these mysterious mountain ranges to determine their origins and evolution and to answer questions like if these powerful tides from Saturn are affecting Titan's interior and forcing the moon to create mountains.
According to NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Titan is also so rich in organics in the solar system which makes its a frozen version of Earth from seven billion years ago. Since it is the closest body in the solar system to resemble Earth, its atmosphere and methane cycle can also be likened to rainfall here on Earth that turns lakes and rivers of methane into winds and fog in Titan.