The Huygens probe is hitching a ride aboard NASA's Cassini spacecraft, which should arrive in orbit around Saturn in 2004 after an almost seven-year journey. Months later, the Saturn orbiter will release Huygens, a suite of instruments packed in what resembles a large automobile hubcap, which will then parachute through the atmosphere and presumably land several hours later. During the descent, the half-ton probe will study the organic makeup of the chemical fog, take photographs and keep an eye out for lightning. Huygens was designed to withstand such electrical outbursts, which are thought to take place on the moon. Titan boasts an atmosphere, composed mostly of nitrogen and methane, ten times thicker than that on Earth.
Scientists theorize that hydrocarbon rain and snow drizzle down to the surface.
An AOL Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Read our privacy guidelines . Contact us .