The largest of Saturn’s 82 moons, Titan’s largest body of water is more than 1,000 feet deep near its center. The Kraken Mare is so deep that the true depth cannot be measured. The new findings were derived from data collected by Cassini’s mission at the Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Seven years ago, it was believed that the outside depth of the lake was at least 115 feet.
“The depth and shape of all of Titan’s oceans have already been measured, with the exception of Titan’s largest ocean, Kraken Mare, which not only has a good reputation, but also contains about 80% of the surface’s liquid. lunar, ”said lead author Valerio Poggiali, research associate at the Cornell Center for Astrophysics and Planetary Science (CCAPS).
As a result of the new findings on the mystery moon, researchers believe they can send an artificial submarine to Kraken Mare. The mission is subject to funding and approval by NASA. But, if it happens, by the end of the decade we will be ready to find out more about Saturn’s exciting moon.
“Thanks to our measurements, scientists can now detect the density of the liquid with higher precision, thus capitalizing the sonar on board the vessel and understanding the direction of sea flow,” said Poggiali.
The measurement was made using an echo of radar waves sent by the Cassini spacecraft from 965 km above Moray Sinus, an estuary located at the northern end of the ocean. The depth was measured using the time it took for the radar signal to kick back from the liquid surface of the water body and its base. The difference between the two was measured taking into account the factors such as the liquid composition of the lake as it absorbs the energy of the signal.
Also, scientists were amazed at how the lake was previously believed to be ethane mainly because of the size and location of the lake. However, new research reveals that it is a mixture of methane and ethane. Researchers believe this may help them understand the water cycle on the moon as well.
They also hope to find out in the future where melting methane came from on Titan despite being 100 times less energetic than Earth and 10 times away from it.