Building Blocks for Surviving Titan
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- Visualizations by:
- Lisa Poje and
- Michael Lentz
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- Written by:
- Gary Crisostomo
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- Scientific consulting by:
- Conor Nixon,
- Martin Cordiner, and
- Maureen Palmer
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- Produced by:
- David Ladd
- View full credits
Saturn’s moon, Titan, is hiding a chemical on its surface which has the possibility of creating the basis for life. Acrylonitrile is unique as it is an ingredient that can form structures similar to cell membranes, but it's tough enough to survive Titan's harsh conditions. Using data collected by the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in Chile, NASA researchers identified the fingerprint of acrylonitrile in Titan's upper atmosphere. They believe that it has rained out onto the surface of Saturn as well, collecting in Titan's hydrocarbon lakes. Scientists speculate that in abundance, acrylonitrile can create a stable, spherical membrane that can foster life and protect it against Titan’s freezing surface. The findings expand our understanding of the chemical complexity of the solar system and the potential for life in the universe. Watch the video to learn more.
For More Information
See NASA.gov
Credits
Please give credit for this item to:
NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio
Titan images courtesy of NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute:
Titan Up Front
Vast Ligeia Mare in False Color
Northern Summer on Titan
Colorful Colossuses and Changing Hues
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Animators
- Lisa Poje (USRA) [Lead]
- Michael Lentz (KBR Wyle Services, LLC) [Lead]
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Writer
- Gary Crisostomo (Student, University of Maryland College Park) [Lead]
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Scientists
- Conor Nixon (NASA/GSFC) [Lead]
- Martin Cordiner (Catholic University of America) [Lead]
- Maureen Palmer (Science Collaborator) [Lead]
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Producer
- David Ladd (Advocates in Manpower Management, Inc.) [Lead]