These mysterious bright spots in Titan’s methane seas have baffled scientists since their discovery in 2014. But a closer look at the unique organic chemistry of Saturn’s moon finally revealed their essence.
Not gas, not ghosts: According to previous theories, these islands were gas bubbles or illusions caused by the planet’s atmosphere. This study refutes these explanations.
Most likely, the islands are composed of frozen clumps of organic solids with a spongy, cheese-like structure that allows them to float like icy pumice. Titan’s low surface tension lakes cannot support dense solids, but porous “icebergs” of trapped methane can float for days to weeks before succumbing to gravity.
This theory could also explain the unusual smoothness of Titan’s hydrocarbon seas; This suggests that their surfaces are covered with a thin layer of frozen solids.
Solving the mystery of the magical islands is just one step towards understanding the complex and intriguing world of Titan. This work highlights the role of organic chemistry in shaping the lunar surface and invites further investigation of its fascinating properties.
Source: Ferra
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