Webb image archive
Chemistry in Titan's Atmosphere
Caption This four-panel infographic demonstrates a key chemical process believed to occur in the atmosphere of Saturn’s moon Titan. 1) Titan has a thick, nitrogen (N2) atmosphere...
- Date
- May 14, 2025
- Observatory
- James Webb Space Telescope
- Credit
- NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI
- Archive ID
- 01J4SB18K9MJAS8YQANTZ79MN2
Caption
This four-panel infographic demonstrates a key chemical process believed to occur in the atmosphere of Saturn’s moon Titan. 1) Titan has a thick, nitrogen (N2) atmosphere that also contains methane (CH4). 2) Molecules known as methyl radicals (CH3) form when methane is broken apart by sunlight or energetic electrons from Saturn’s magnetosphere. 3) It then recombines with other molecules or with itself to make substances like ethane (C2H6). 4) Methane, ethane and other molecules condense and rain out of the atmosphere, forming lakes and seas on Titan’s surface. NASA’s James Webb Space Telescope detected the methyl radical on Titan for the first time, providing a key missing piece for our understanding of Titan’s chemical processes.
Credits
Artwork
NASA, ESA, CSA, Elizabeth Wheatley (STScI)
Keywords
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