Lecture 19

Question 1

Saturns Ring System

Answer 1

• Divided based on the order in which they were discovered
• Each is distinct from its neighbour

Question 2

Origin of the Rings

Answer 2

3 Hypotheses
1. Gravitational disruption of a satellite or comet
2. Fragmentation of satellites by impact
3. Accretionary Remnant

Question 3

Roche limit

Answer 3

• The orbit closest to a planet where a satellite can withstand the tidal forces of the planet

Question 4

Titan (jup moon) compared to earth

Answer 4

• Much smaller than earth
• Less in every way (temp, density, gravity and so on)

Question 5

Clues for the Origins of Saturn’s Rings

Answer 5

• Some rings are made from the debris of inner satellites
• Saturn’s rings are disappearing

Question 6

Titan’s Geologic History

Answer 6

• Accretion from materials rich in water, methane and ammonia
• Differentiation: forms methane - ammonia-rich atmosphere

Question 7

Lakes on Titan

Answer 7

• Located near the polar region
• Made up of liquid methane and ethane

Question 8

Titan’s Dunes Composition

Answer 8

Dunes are made up of grains of ice and organic matter

Question 9

Evidence of Titan’s geological activity

Answer 9

• Wind erosion
• Flowing liquid
• Cryovolcanism
• Climate is humid at the poles while dry at the equator

Question 10

Geological activity on Enceladus (another moon of saturn)

Answer 10

• Liquid water is present in Enceladus, an icy body only 500 km across
• Recent and current geologic activity