Michael Torbett
Division of Natural Science and Mathematics
Macon State College

Wednesday, 3/30/2005, 4:30 pm
Willet Science Center 101

Launched in October 1997 The European Space Agency’s Huygens probe hitched a ride on NASA’s Cassini mission to explore the Saturn system.  Last December 25^th  the Huygens probe separated on an intercept course for the moon Titan and successfully plunged into that moon’s atmosphere this January 14.  Parachuting down to the surface this probe revealed a landscape beneath the enshrouding clouds that surprised everyone.  This talk will trace this journey to the enigmatic surface of this body which turns out to be in appearance the most Earth-like body in the solar system albeit at a much colder temperature.