Author Question: Why is there no surface on Jupiter or Saturn? What will be an ideal ... (Read 89 times)

jace · **on:** Jul 27, 2018

Why is there no surface on Jupiter or Saturn?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

Why is Titan of interest to astrobiologists?

What will be an ideal response?

jliusyl · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 27, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Both planets are rich in hydrogen and helium, and their temperatures and pressures just below the clouds increase beyond the critical point. Therefore, the transition from gas to liquid is very gradual resulting in a liquid layer with no definite surface.

Answer to Question 2

Titan's atmosphere is full of methane that can condenses and falls to the surface as rain. Sunlight converts methane (CH4) into the gas ethane (C2H6) plus a collection of other organic molecules. Some of these molecules produce the smog-like haze, and as the smog particles gradually settle, they are predicted to deposit smelly, organic goo on the surface. This goo is important because similar organic molecules may have been the precursors of life on Earth.