[X] My Assistant

[Guest_AlexBlackwell_*]

Since T11 just concluded, I guess it's not too early to post the science highlights for the T12 flyby:

Titan-12 Science Highlights

Radio Science Subsystem (RSS) - T12 provides the first Cassini tour opportunity for Radio Science (RSS) to observe Titan's ionosphere and neutral atmosphere using radio occultation, and Titan's surface using bistatic scattering. The radio occultation is the second ever of Titan, the first being a sole Voyager occultation in 1980. The measurements provide important high-spatial-resolution information about the large-scale structure of the ionosphere and atmosphere of Titan. The properties of the reflected signals provide important information about the surface region probed (physical nature).

Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) - Global-scale mosaic extending over Shangri-La, Tui Regio, and western Xanadu, including a frame over Ontario Lacus to look for possible cloud activity.

Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) - Search for and characterize midlatitude clouds, aurorae, hotspots, and changes in surface properties. VIMS will also characterize the geologic features, haze and composition of Titan's equatorial region.

Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) - Global mapping of trace species (CO, H2O, HCN) via rotational lines in the far-infrared by conducting inbound and outbound composition integrations.

RADAR – Will add to their radiometry and scatterometry coverage of Titan.

Radio and Plasma Wave Spectrometer (RPWS) - Thermal plasma density and temperature measurements, search for lightning and other radio emissions, characterization of plasma wave spectrum, and search for evidence of pickup ions.

Cassini Plasma Spectrometer (CAPS) - Observations of Titan's interaction with Saturn's magnetosphere.

Ion and Neutral Mass Spectrometer (INMS) - Determine atmospheric and ionospheric composition and thermal structure.

[elakdawalla]

Decepticon, I hope you aren't trying to make a statement by adopting Unicron, the Planet Eater as your avatar. I like the planets we have very much. (I fear I may be the only person in this forum [with the possible exception of 'Decepticon'] geeky enough not only recognize the reference but be sitting not 4 feet away from a VHS copy of Transformers: The Movie... )

Since T11 just concluded, I guess it's not too early to post the science highlights for the T12 flyby:
Radio Science Subsystem (RSS) - T12 provides the first Cassini tour opportunity for Radio Science (RSS) to observe Titan's ionosphere and neutral atmosphere using radio occultation, and Titan's surface using bistatic scattering. The radio occultation is the second ever of Titan, the first being a sole Voyager occultation in 1980. The measurements provide important high-spatial-resolution information about the large-scale structure of the ionosphere and atmosphere of Titan. The properties of the reflected signals provide important information about the surface region probed (physical nature).

I'm very surprised there hasn't been a radio occultation of Titan's atmosphere by Cassini yet. Have there been previous opportunities that haven't been taken advantage of, or is this the first good one there's been, and if so, why?

--Emily

[Guest_RGClark_*]

Decepticon, I hope you aren't trying to make a statement by adopting Unicron, the Planet Eater as your avatar. I like the planets we have very much. (I fear I may be the only person in this forum [with the possible exception of 'Decepticon'] geeky enough not only recognize the reference but be sitting not 4 feet away from a VHS copy of Transformers: The Movie... )
...
--Emily

Yes, but how many of us actually paid to see it in the theater?


- Bob C.