Scientist for a Day Option 2: Titan

Hello, my name is Janelle. I think the best topic is number 2, Titan.

Hello, my name is Janelle.

I'm an NASA Instrument Operations Engineer.

My job is to control cameras and other science instruments and make sure they work properly in space.

I think the best topic is number 2, Titan.

Titan is the second largest moon in the solar system and the largest moon of Saturn.

What makes Titan special is that it is the only place besides Earth known to have liquids in the form of lakes and seas on its surface.

Titan even has a thick atmosphere—so thick that it blocks our view of its surface. Scientists believe that it may even have the conditions needed to support life.

But, this is not a place you would want to go swimming.

Titan's lakes and air are made out of methane and ethane that would give you frostbite if you came into contact with them.

But if you wore protective gear, not only could you go for a swim but you could attach wings to your arms, flap them like a bird and take flight because the atmosphere is so dense there.

The Cassini spacecraft taught us a lot about Titan using its radar to peer through Titan's hazy atmosphere to see through to the surface. Yet, there are still many mysteries surrounding this fascinating moon.

I hope you chose topic 2, Titan.

Good luck!