Organic Materials Spotted in Titan's Atmosphere

[0rganism]

Organic Materials Spotted in Titan's Atmosphere
April 26, 2005
Scientists believe that Titan's atmosphere may be a laboratory for studying the organic chemistry that preceded life and provided the building blocks for life on Earth. The role of the upper atmosphere in this organic "factory" of hydrocarbons is very intriguing to scientists, especially given the large number of different hydrocarbons detected by Cassini during the flyby.

Cassini's ion and neutral mass spectrometer detects charged and neutral particles in the atmosphere. It provides scientists with valuable information from which to infer the structure, dynamics and history of Titan's atmosphere. Complex mixtures of hydrocarbons and carbon-nitrogen compounds were seen throughout the range of masses measured by the Cassini ion and neutral mass spectrometer instrument.

"We are beginning to appreciate the role of the upper atmosphere in the complex carbon cycle that occurs on Titan," said Dr. Hunter Waite, principal investigator of the Cassini ion and neutral mass spectrometer and professor at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor. "Ultimately, this information from the Saturn system will help us determine the origins of organic matter within the entire solar system."

Hydrocarbons containing as many as seven carbon atoms were observed, as well as nitrogen-containing hydrocarbons (nitriles). Titan's atmosphere is composed primarily of nitrogen, followed by methane, the simplest hydrocarbon. The nitrogen and methane are expected to form complex hydrocarbons in a process induced by sunlight or energetic particles from Saturn's magnetosphere. However, it is surprising to find the plethora of complex hydrocarbon molecules in the upper reaches of the atmosphere. Titan is very cold, and complex hydrocarbons would be expected to condense and rain down to the surface.
more: http://www.physorg.com/news3864.html

"Curiouser and curiouser," thought Alice.

[politicaholic]

1. Today, Nitrils...by monday plants, animals, & humans living w/out sin.

that's the way it works right?

[absolutezero]

3. exactly

if they don't say thats what's happening then its obviously a liberal conspiracy

[absolutezero]

2. Awesome

As a chemist and an amateur astronomy buff I think this is pretty cool

[glitch]

4. "From Gannymede to Titan, yea sure I've been around"

Sorry, always have to sing that ditty when something comes up about Titan. Very interesting, thanks for posting.

[Ripley]

5. Hooray for Real Science!

Thanks fellow DUer for keeping the LBN diverse. I posted a thread about Hubble's 15 year anniversary earlier today that sank like a rock because this board is so overcrowded with that Jimmy Jeff dude. Eek.

[0rganism]

14. Real Science doesn't stand a chance against the average JimmyJeff thread

But you gotta admit, JimmyJeff makes for a fascinating case study. Not quite "hard science," but not exactly limp either...

[Kathryn7]

6. "layer of the thick, hazy atmosphere" might be smog.

[Mugweed]

7. Organic Materials Labeled a Threat to America

Pre-Emptive Invasion in Planning Stages

[Fire Walk With Me]

8. The organic materials also knew that there were no WMD

and that the elections were rigged. Go organic material go.

[GregW]

9. "All these worlds are yours - except Europa ..."

"Attempt no landing there."

oops - wrong moon

[Jose Diablo]

10. I wonder if there is oil n/t

[Kathryn7]

12. US scientist here has been claiming hydrocarbons were present at forming

of the earth, not only from decayed life. Looks like he is probably right. He says to look for oil deep under igneous rock not just sedementary deposits. He says hydrocarbons are in the earth not just from decayed life, but from the forming of this planet.

[warrior1]

11. I was wondering

were I left my socks.

[0rganism]

13. Perhaps Titan is the planet of lost socks and ballpoint pens?

We know it's out there somewhere.