The Process of Tholin Formation in Titan's Upper Atmosphere
Southwest Research Institute · University of Kansas · +2 more institutions
Abstract
Titan's lower atmosphere has long been known to harbor organic aerosols (tholins) presumed to have been formed from simple molecules, such as methane and nitrogen (CH4 and N2). Up to now, it has been assumed that tholins were formed at altitudes of several hundred kilometers by processes as yet unobserved. Using measurements from a combination of mass/charge and energy/charge spectrometers on the Cassini spacecraft, we have obtained evidence for tholin formation at high altitudes (approximately 1000 kilometers) in Titan's atmosphere. The observed chemical mix strongly implies a series of chemical reactions and physical processes that lead from simple molecules (CH4 and N2) to larger, more complex molecules (80…
Citation impact
- FWCI
- 32.10
- Percentile
- 100%
- References
- 31
Authors
7- JHJ. H. WaiteCorresponding
Southwest Research Institute, University of Kansas, University College London, The University of Texas at San Antonio
- DTD. T. Young
Southwest Research Institute, University of Kansas, University College London, The University of Texas at San Antonio
- TET. E. Cravens
Southwest Research Institute, University of Kansas, University College London, The University of Texas at San Antonio
- AJA. J. Coates
Southwest Research Institute, University of Kansas, University College London, The University of Texas at San Antonio
- FJF. J. Crary
Southwest Research Institute, University of Kansas, University College London, The University of Texas at San Antonio
Topics & keywords
- Titan (rocket family)
- Molecule
- Atmosphere (unit)
- Astrobiology
- Atmosphere of Titan
- Methane
- Chemistry
- Chemical physics
- Life below water