Titan, second largest moon in the Solar System.
Very little is known about Titan, owing to its remoteness. It’s extremely cold, about minus 289 degrees F, the kind of place about which most astronomers bandy the term “inhospitable to life.” The latest images, plus observations from previous missions, suggest that the small planet has a substantial atmosphere, but it is unclear whether the surface is liquid or solid.
One thing does appear to be certain: there is plenty of methane on Titan, probably mixed with significant traces of sulfur compounds. If indeed there are oceans on Titan, they, too, are likely to consist largely of liquid methane.
Picture it. A planet-wide ocean of liquefied farts.
Exploring such a place would present heretofore unimaginable challenges. Assigning blame, for instance...
“Prepare to initiate landing sequence! On my mark, 5, 4, 3…whew, who let one? Was that you, Commander Jones? No? Well, it wasn’t me!”Perhaps humankind was not meant to walk astride the shores of these alien seas. Nevertheless, we have images and data that we can study... from a safe distance. Pooty amazing, huh?
“Someone open a window, dammit!”
“No! No! Aaaaaaaggggghhhhhhh…”
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