NSF/AFOSR Astronomy: AEOS Observations of Titan

California Institute Of Technology, Pasadena CA

Investigators

Abstract

M. Brown 0088643 Abstract This award will support research to determine sites of cloud formation of Titan, and from detection of clouds determine the tropospheric wind field and set limits on the frequency of methane rainfall. It will use adaptive optics and four filters to resolve Titan spatially and analyze atmospheric effects spectrally. The main goal is to obtain the first images of Titan's methane clouds and follow their evolution and motion over time scales of hours to weeks. Six observing nights are awarded to accomplish this, with supporting funds for instrumentation (filters), travel, and publications. ***