No, There is no underground ocean on Titan: a more in-depth analysis of the data collected by the famous NASA’s Cassini probe demonstrate that Saturn’s largest moon may not harbor a vast body of water, but more likely mud layers with isolated pockets of water. The discovery is of immense significance for studies of life on other worlds
In 2012 scientists announced the probable presence of a ocean beneath the surface of Titanthe main satellite of the Lord of the Rings. The hypothesis, put forward already in 2008, was formulated by applying a new technique based on the observation of the deformations to which it is subjected Titan along its orbit around its planet.
But a new analysis of data from the Cassini mission instead revealed that Saturn’s moon might have layers of mud with isolated pockets of liquid water instead of a large, single body of water. In particular, the interior of the satellite would be more likely composed of iceand layers of mud with liquid water would form near its rocky core.ù
These results, which however do not at all disprove the hypothesis that Titan can host some form of lifeare not just an important scientific curiosity: they could in fact have implications for scientists’ understanding of Titan and other icy moons in our solar system.
This research highlights the power of archival planetary science data – explains Julie Castillo-Rogez, co-author of the study – It is important to remember that the data collected by these extraordinary space probes is vital, so discoveries can be made years, or even decades, later, as analysis techniques become more sophisticated
The work was published on Nature.
Sources: NASA / Nature
