As the only known natural satellite to have a thick and complex atmosphere, Saturn's largest moon Titan is of particular interest to scientists.
Only certain kinds of cameras and telescopes can cut through Titan's atmosphere because it is surrounded by a dense, golden haze. NASA describes the air as "smog-like."
But through Cassini's radar, astronomers were able to penetrate Titan's thick clouds, unraveling the Saturnian moon's landscape.
What Lies Beneath Titan's Crust?
Studying Titan has revealed clues as to what lies beneath the large moon's crust.
Scientists have long suspected that Titan has seas of liquid methane. It was difficult to confirm the theory because its opaque atmosphere prevented any closer inspection.
Indeed, past Cassini flybys confirmed that Titan possesses lakes and seas of liquid methane and ethane close to its poles.
Now, scientists found that like many small bodies across the solar system, Titan may contain a sub-surface ocean of liquid water similar to the molten mantle on which our own planet's crust floats.
The difference, however, is that Titan's bedrock is likely to be far softer than rocks on Earth.
Titan's Mountains
Additionally, Cassini's radar team Deputy Leader Stephen Wall said they found the highest peak on Titan.
"It's not only the highest point we've found so far on Titan, but we think it's the highest point we're likely to find," said Wall.
When compared to Earth's Mount Everest which is at 29,029 feet, Titan's highest peak comes in at only 10,948 feet. But considering that Titan is about two and a half times smaller than Earth, scientists still find it quite impressive.
How will the soft bedrock on Titan affect its mountains? Scientists said the factor would limit the height of Titan's mountain ranges.
Scientists plan to investigate Titan's mysterious mountain ranges further to determine how they were formed. They hope to answer questions such as the following: are powerful tides from Saturn impacting Titan's interior and producing the force to form mountains? Or is there another process?
'A Young Earth' Analog
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory says Titan's organic-rich chemistry and thick atmosphere resembles that of a "frozen version" of Earth several billion years ago.
Titan is also one of the most Earth-like worlds ever found, with many atmospheric processes similar to that on Earth. These processes include a methane cycle similar to precipitation, in turn creating river cycles that pool vast methane and ethane lakes; as well as surface winds and fogs.
Add that to Titan's prebiotic-rich surface, the Saturnian moon will definitely be viewed as a mini-Earth.
