Vast ocean beneath the surface of Saturn's largest moon is as salty as the Dead Sea on our planet. Scientists from NASA analyzed data from a space apparatus "Cassini" , proving the high salinity of the ocean Titan.
Water density alien ocean explains its high salinity, comparable with salinity of the Dead Sea. Scientists suggest that the sea water on Titan consists of solutions of sulfur, sodium and potassium. The new results are based on topographic and gravity data collected "Cassini" during numerous Titan flybys over the last ten years.
Researchers presented a new model for the structure of Titan, which will allow a better understanding of the structure of its outer ice shell. The findings are published in the latest issue of the scientific journal Icarus. His popular presentation of the newspaper The Daily Mail.
"Titan continues to demonstrate its endlessly fascinating world. Our hardy assistant "Cassini" is not tired to do more and more new discoveries - the participant of the "Cassini" Linda Spilker, a researcher at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory of NASA.
New data confirm previous measurements, indicating solid ice shell Titan. The thickness of the ice surface and divers and varies from place to place. This indicates that the seawater crystallizes slowly, turning into ice.
"By earthly standards, this very salty ocean. This knowledge can change our view of him as a potential haven for life, although in the past could be other conditions, - said study lead author Giuseppe Mitri of the University of Nantes in France.