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Titan's rotation reveals an internal ocean and changing zonal winds.

Authors :
Lorenz RD
Stiles BW
Kirk RL
Allison MD
Del Marmo PP
Iess L
Lunine JI
Ostro SJ
Hensley S
Source :
Science (New York, N.Y.) [Science] 2008 Mar 21; Vol. 319 (5870), pp. 1649-51.
Publication Year :
2008

Abstract

Cassini radar observations of Saturn's moon Titan over several years show that its rotational period is changing and is different from its orbital period. The present-day rotation period difference from synchronous spin leads to a shift of approximately 0.36 degrees per year in apparent longitude and is consistent with seasonal exchange of angular momentum between the surface and Titan's dense superrotating atmosphere, but only if Titan's crust is decoupled from the core by an internal water ocean like that on Europa.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1095-9203
Volume :
319
Issue :
5870
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Science (New York, N.Y.)
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
18356521
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1151639