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WHAT TO SEE
Orange atmosphere
Titan is cloaked in a hazy orange atmosphere. The clouds are made of nitrogen, with traces of other simple molecules. They form a thick fog around the moon, hiding its surface. The only way to find out what lies beneath is to visit.
Lakes and rivers
In January 2005, the Huygens probe landed on this mysterious moon. It sent back images of what looked like drainage channels leading into a dark lake or sea. We don't yet know whether this region has frozen, or whether it is still liquid. But one thing is certain. Something has been flowing on Titan in the past.
Whatever Titan's rivers are made of, it certainly isn't water. The surface is so cold that any water would have frozen long ago. Instead, the rivers and lakes could be liquid methane or ethane.
Creme Brulee
Titan also has areas of solid ground. The region where Huygens landed was fairly flat and strewn with boulders. Scientists compared the consistencty of the landing site to Creme Brulee - the dessert with the crunchy topping.
Origins of life?
The atmosphere on Titan could be identical to that of the early Earth when life began. If Titan was warmer in the past, then life may have sprouted.
Hunt for signs of life on Titan
SPOTTING TITAN FROM THE EARTH
Titan is not visible from the Earth with the naked eye, but can be seen with a small telescope.
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TRAVEL INFORMATION
Before you leave
Remember to pack a reinforced umbrella, Titan's clouds could open up causing showers of thick black rain.
When you arrive
Titan probably has both solid ground and liquid seas. So be prepared to change your landing site at the last moment if necessary.
LOCAL HISTORY
In Greek mythology, the Titans were a race of god-like giants. Saturn's other moons are named specific Titan characters like Enceladus and Mimas.
Discovery
Titan was discovered by Christiaan Huygens in 1655.
STOP PRESS
The Huygens probe landed on Titan in January 2005.
See the first images of the surface of Titan on bbc.co.uk/news
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