Evolution of the atmosphere of Titan

Image of Titan's atmosphere at 2.12 microns as observed with NACO on the VLT at three different epochs from 2002 till now. Titan's atmosphere exhibits seasonal and meteorological changes which can clearly be seen here : the North-South asymmetry - indicative of changes in the chemical composition in one pole or the other, depending on the season - is now clearly in favour of the North pole. Indeed, the situation has reversed with respect to a few years ago when the South pole was brighter. Also visible in these images is a bright feature in the South pole, found to be presently dimming after having appeared very bright from 2000 to 2003. The differences in size are due to the variation in the distance to Earth of Saturn and its planetary system.

Crediti:

ESO

Riguardo l'immagine

Identificazione:eso0505d
Tipo:Osservazione
Data di rilascio:24 Febbraio 2005
Notizie relative:eso0505
Grandezza:1804 x 601 px

Riguardo all'oggetto

Nome:Titan
Tipo:Solar System : Planet : Satellite
Categoria:Solar System

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Colori e filtri

BandaLunghezza d'ondaTelescopio
Infrarosso
Near-IR
2.12 μmVery Large Telescope
NACO