Spacecraft to probe mysteries (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Spacecraft to probe mysteries

THERE are just 10 days to go before scientists begin unravelling the mysteries of Saturn's moon, Titan.

Next week, a miniature space-craft, called Huygens, will enter the atmosphere of Titan and land on its yet unknown surface as part of a massive project, partly funded by the Swindon-based Particle Physics and Astronomy Research Council.

Huygens reached Saturn, famous for its rings, using the Cassini probe. The two separated during the early hours of Christmas Day and should begin going through Titan's atmosphere on January 14.

The exact nature of its final resting place remains a mystery although scientists speculate that Huygens may find lakes or even oceans of a mixture of liquid ethane, methane and nitrogen.