First Results from Huygens

Scientists have revealed the their initial findings based on analysis of the Huygens data. As well as images of Titan, sounds have also been recorded in the atmosphere.

DISR

Composite images shows three dimensional structure Possible methane or ethane ground fog on surface Wind speed 7 metres per second at altitudes 10 to 20 km

This image was returned yesterday, 14 January 2005, by ESA’s Huygens probe during its successful descent to land on Titan. This is the coloured view, following processing to add reflection spectra data, gives a better indication of the actual colour of the surface. Initially thought to be rocks or ice blocks, they are more pebble-sized. The two rock-like objects just below the middle of the image are about 15 centimetres (left) and 4 centimetres (centre) across respectively, at a distance of about 85 centimetres from Huygens. The surface is darker than originally expected, consisting of a mixture of water and hydrocarbon ice. There is also evidence of erosion at the base of these objects, indicating possible fluvial activity

Credits: ESA/NASA/University of Arizona

A composite image showing a full 360-degree view around Huygens. The left-hand side, behind Huygens, shows a boundary between light and dark areas. These images were taken from an altitude of about 8 kilometres with a resolution of about 20 metres per pixel.

Credits: ESA/NASA/University of Arizona

GCMS

Detailed analysis of methane In stratosphere – uniform mixing 90 minutes into descent and the methane mixing ratio (relative to nitrogen) changes indicating the possible presence of clouds Methane mixing ratio is higher at the surface

HASI

Data collected from entry covering the full deceleration of the probe and conducting a full analysis of the atmospheric structure. Measurements of pressure and temperature against altitude achieved. Surface temperature estimated at 93.8 K Microphone recorded sounds in the Titan atmosphere as the probe descended. Click for full details

SSP

Recovered 3 hours 37 minutes of data, including 1 hour 10 minutes on the surface. No data from any of the nine sensors was lost. Deceleration of about 15g in 40 milliseconds when Huygens touched down. Touchdown took place 2 hours 27 minutes 57 seconds after atmosphere interface. Penetrometer measurements suggest a thin crust of over the surface. Penetrometer extended 15 cm into the surface. Sonar measurements recorded data until about 12m above surface. Impact speed on surface 4.5 metres per second.

Radio Experiments

By using VLBI techniques 18 radio observatories around the world were able to track the descent of the Huygens probe.  This will allow scientist to determine the position of Huygens to within a few kilometres and wind speed to a few metres per second.