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Titan Flyby (T14) — May 20, 2006

The complex and dynamic atmosphere of Titan displays multiple haze layers near the north pole in this view, which also provides an excellent look at the detached stratospheric haze layer that surrounds the moon at lower latitudes.

The Cassini spacecraft will study the hazy atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan from the inside out during a flyby on May 20.

Cassini will transmit radio waves to Earth as it flies behind Titan. The radio waves will pass through Titan's atmosphere, revealing characteristics about the atmosphere's temperature, structure and winds.

During this flyby, Cassini also will bounce radio waves off the surface of Titan for receipt on Earth. The reflectiveness at different wavelengths will provide information about the surface roughness and composition.

Date
May 20, 2006

Altitude
1,174 miles (1,879 km)

Speed
13,000 mph (5.8 km/sec)