The probe Cassini has spotted a 1,500m-high mountain with a deep pit on Titan, the largest moon of Saturn. Scientists have identified it as a volcano because of the material flowing out from the top. After further research, the scientists have come to a conclusion that the material is probably water, or very close to water. Because of the extremely low temperatures on Titan, about -180 degrees Celsius, the water then freezes, hence the ice volcano. Also thanks to Cassini, other volcanoes have been discovered on Titan, as well as sand dunes, and other organic material.
Since living things need water to survive and that has been discovered, could there possibly have been life on this moon? Organic material has also been found in the atmosphere, which is a sure sign of life. Could this be a giant lead into our solar system's history?
6 comments:
Every time I see something in the news about space discovery, I always wonder, why do we study outer space. When someone tells me something like "Ice Volcano Found on Titan" I think that it is interesting but I don't see why it is helpful to know what's on another planet's moon thats lightyears away. I think there are better ways to spend time and money at the moment. I understand that people study outer space to figure out the origin of Earth/life/universe but I feel like it is a very risky gamble, especially now. I think maybe later on we should go back to space exploration but I really don't think it is reasonable at the moment.
While the prospect of life on another planet is interesting, I don't think that Titan would be able to host life because of it's super cold temperature. Even the smallest of cells need some heat otherwise their enzymes would not properly function. However, this new information Can prove to be useful to other scientists researching the availability of minerals on other planets. While it will probably never happen in our lifetime, perhaps some day humans will be able to create bases on other planets and utilize some of their natural resources.
Although all these studies are costly, I think it is important to continue with them. These explorations could possibly help us in the future. These explorations and discoveries help in the advancement of the deeper understanding of the geological structure of our universe. If we stop now, we might just be inclined to continue stalling these explorations in the future.
I don't believe that the material flowing out of the volcano is water. It must be a combination of multiple elements. With the temperature being so cold, I agree with my colleague Laura that life does require some sort of heat for enzymes to properly function. Although, there is a possibility of genetic mutation that allows them to function in extremely cold temperatures. All in all, there is no real answer yet.
Also, space discovery is an important science. Let's say the planet is filled to its maximum population. Where would we go next? This is quite extreme measures, but whats the next best thing when you can't head left, right, and down? UP! And, UP again!
I believe space explorations like this one on titan are NECESSARY to the development of human civilization. At this rate, we clearly cannot sustain living on Earth for eternity, so we should absolutely be looking for life on other planets. I think its amazing that we keep discovering traces of water on planets and moons in our solar system. We may not be able to see the end result now, but in the these discoveries will astronomically pay off to future generations.
I do agree that space exploration is an important science, but I wish we were doing a better job of doing scientific research for the earth. After all, it is the planet we are populating now, and is most relevant to our lives. It is sad but probably true that the human race will need to leave the earth and find another planet to live on in the future when we manage to destroy the Earth, but for now, I wish the Obama administration was not delaying work on the Earth's environment.
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