Series: Astronomy Colloquium
Date: Wednesday 11-Apr-2018
Time: 16:05-17:00 (4:05-5:00 pm)
Location: ATL 2400
Speaker: Dr. Alex Hayes (Cornell University)
Title: A Guide to Lakefront Vacationing on Titan: Glassy Seas, Fish Finders, and Magic Islands
While the spacecraft may be gone, the Cassini mission continues to deliver new and exciting discoveries throughout the Saturn system. Titan, in particular, has been unveiled as one of the most exciting and complex worlds in the solar system. In this seminar, we will review the latest discoveries surrounding Titan’s methane-based hydrologic cycle and describe the culmination of a campaign conducted through the end of the Cassini mission to map the bathymetry and composition of its hydrocarbon lakes and seas. These observations include transient phenomena, affectionately dubbed Titan’s Magic Islands, and fantastically transparent lakes that confound expectation. We will end with a review of unanswered questions and justify why returning to Titan is compelling from both geologic and astrobiologic perspectives.
Colloquia are usually preceded by espresso and ice cream at 1:45 pm outside room PSC 1150 and are followed by an informal reception at 5:15 pm in that room. Anyone interested in talking with the speaker, or being added to the colloquium announcement email list, should contact the colloquium organizer. Lunch will normally be reserved for the speaker to talk to graduate students.
Colloquium Organizer:
Prof. L. Drake Deming
Special accommodations for individuals with disabilities can be made by calling (301) 405-3001. It would be appreciated if we are notified at least one week in advance.
