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Variable and Constant Features on Titan from HST

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  30 March 2016

Ralph D. Lorenz
Affiliation:
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
Mark T. Lemmon
Affiliation:
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA
Peter H. Smith
Affiliation:
Lunar and Planetary Laboratory, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85721, USA

Abstract

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Observations with HST WFPC-2 from 1994 to 1997 show a number of features which can be attributed to the surface (notably the large as-yet-unnamed bright region, several smaller bright areas and a number of dark regions). The delineation of these features in several datasets is presented. Other features are variable and are due to atmospheric phenomena: these include the total brightness of Titan (drop by 5% 1994-1997 at 350 nm; increase by 7% at 889 nm), the hemispheric north-south asymmetry, and the hint of a south polar hood.

Additionally, small variable features, apparently due to clouds, are documented. As well as variability from one year to the next, these show anomalous center-to-limb brightness behaviour, and a 673/940 nm color much bluer than the large surface feature, consistent with clouds in the troposphere.

Type
II. Joint Discussions
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Pacific 2002