[sheeny (Al)]

The following is from Nature Contents this morning. THis is the article abstract:

Titan Radar Mapper observations from Cassini's T3 fly-by

C. Elachi1, S. Wall1, M. Janssen1, E. Stofan2, R. Lopes1, R. Kirk3, R. Lorenz4, J. Lunine4,5, F. Paganelli1, L. Soderblom3, C. Wood6, L. Wye7, H. Zebker7, Y. Anderson1, S. Ostro1, M. Allison8, R. Boehmer1, P. Callahan1, P. Encrenaz9, E. Flamini10, G. Francescetti11, Y. Gim1, G. Hamilton1, S. Hensley1, W. Johnson1, K. Kelleher1, D. Muhleman12, G. Picardi13, F. Posa14, L. Roth1, R. Seu13, S. Shaffer1, B. Stiles1, S. Vetrella11 and R. West1
Top of page Abstract

Cassini's Titan Radar Mapper imaged the surface of Saturn's moon Titan on its February 2005 fly-by (denoted T3), collecting high-resolution synthetic-aperture radar and larger-scale radiometry and scatterometry data. These data provide the first definitive identification of impact craters on the surface of Titan, networks of fluvial channels and surficial dark streaks that may be longitudinal dunes. Here we describe this great diversity of landforms. We conclude that much of the surface thus far imaged by radar of the haze-shrouded Titan is very young, with persistent geologic activity.

And this is the Editor's Summary:

The changing face of Titan

Cassini's Titan Radar Mapper has now imaged about 3% of the surface of Saturn's largest moon. Analysis of data from across the radar spectrum shows Titan to have a geologically young surface. For the first time it has been possible to probe through the atmospheric haze and identify impact craters, cryovolcanism, channels caused by fluid erosion and dark streaks that could be wind-induced dunes.

Enjoy,

Al.