T-53 Flyby: Studying Titan's Atmosphere With Ultraviolet Light
Multiple upper stratospheric haze layers are evident in this ultraviolet view from Cassini looking toward Titan’s south pole. Original image released Feb. 23, 2005.
T-53 Flyby: Studying Titan’s Atmosphere With Ultraviolet Light
During its April 20 flyby’s closest approach, Cassini took advantage of a rare opportunity to measure extreme ultraviolet emissions, as the Ultraviolet Imaging Spectrograph (UVIS) observed solar and stellar lights through Titan’s atmosphere.
The Composite Infrared Spectrometer (CIRS) obtained high-resolution coverage of the edge of the moon. The Imaging Science Subsystem (ISS) teamed up with the Virtual and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer (VIMS) to image Titan’s trailing hemisphere at high southern latitudes and with CIRS to monitor clouds.
Titan Flyby at a Glance
Date
April 20, 2009
Altitude
2200 miles (3,600 km)
Speed
13,000 mph (5.8 km/sec)
