While space scientists use a lot of different kinds of data, image data is one of the best ways we have to study and compare other worlds. It is from orbiting satellites that we’ve learned to see our Earth and a myriad of rocky surfaces as often more similar than different. 

Intriguingly, one of the most Earth-like geologies we see can be found on a distant moon of Saturn. The large moon Titan has a thick atmosphere, lakes of methane and ethane, and early images by the Huygens probe even spotted what appear to be river deltas on its surface. Now, we learn, volcanic craters with complex rims can also be found on Titan. 

In a new paper appearing in the Journal of Geophysical Research, Planetary Science Institute’s Charles Wood and coauthor Jani Radebaugh of Brigham Young University used images from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft to make this discovery. The craters appear in Titan’s north polar region and may be associated with the massive lakes. According to Wood: The close association of the proposed volcanic craters with polar lakes is consistent with a volcanic origin through explosive eruptions followed by collapse, as either maars or calderas. The apparent freshness of some craters may mean that volcanism has been relatively recently active on Titan or even continues today. 

Now, volcanism doesn’t mean there are massive lava flows or any of the magma related processes we’re used to here on Earth. These eruptions could be driven by methane, nitrogen, or some other volatile material. We can only hope that the future Dragonfly Mission can now plan to one day observe whatever these outbursts may be.

More Information

Planetary Science Institute press release 

“Morphologic Evidence for Volcanic Craters near Titan’s North Polar Region,” Charles A. Wood and Jani Radebaugh, 2020 June 10, Journal of Geophysical Research: Planets