Titan's Internal Structure

This artist’s concept shows a possible model of Titan’s internal structure that incorporates data from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft. In this model, Titan is fully differentiated, which means the denser core of the moon has separated from its outer parts. This model proposes a core consisting entirely of water-bearing rocks and a subsurface ocean of liquid water. The mantle, in this image, is made of icy layers, one that is a layer of high-pressure ice closer to the core and an outer ice shell on top of the sub-surface ocean.

A model of Cassini is shown making a targeted flyby over Titan’s cloudtops, with Saturn and Enceladus appearing at upper right.

The model, developed by Dominic Fortes of University College London, England, incorporates data from Cassini’s radio science experiment.

Image credit: A. D. Fortes/UCL/STFC

Note: For more information, see Cassini Nears 100th Titan Flyby with a Look Back.