images

The Cassini-Huygens probe above Titan's atmosphere

by

ESA/D.Ducros/Novapix

Reference

e-son15-00014

Date

2011-10-01

This artist's conception of the Cassini orbiter shows the Huygens probe before separation to enter Titan's atmosphere. After separation, the probe drifts for about three weeks until reaching its destination, Titan. Equipped with a variety of scientific sensors, the Huygens probe will spend 2-2.5 hours descending through Titan's dense, murky atmosphere of nitrogen and carbon-based molecules, beaming its findings to the distant Cassini orbiter overhead. The probe could continue to relay information for up to 30 minutes after it lands on Titan's frigid surface, after which the orbiter passes beneath the horizon as seen from the probe.