The Enigmatic Satellites of Saturn

Saturn is now known to have 62 satellites (moons), but the vast majority are small captured objects, probably mostly comets. Of the main satellites, Phoebe is known to be captured. Some of the others may be captured (Titan, Enceladus), but this ranks as speculation rather than fact. Titan is large enough to hold an atmosphere (at this distance from the sun) and it is predominantly Nitrogen. All other gases are condensed down at the surface. Methane is functioning as water does on earth and can be a gas in the atmosphere, liquid as lakes on the surface or solid snow or ice, depending on the circumstances. Enceladus, with it's erupting water volcanoes, is and enigma, especially with regard to a source of energy and the time of onset of the eruptions.


Gary L. Peterson

B. A. (Geology), University of Colorado, Boulder (1959)
Ph.D. (Geology), University of Washington, Seattle (1963)
Professor of Geology, San Diego State University (1963 to 2007)
Emeritus Professor of Geology (2007 to Present)

More information at here and here

"What's Up?" in this month will be presented by Steve Condrey

Pre-meeting Slide Show (~15 MB)
Club Announcements (~1 MB)