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Chapter 13: Problem 58

Imagine that you are in charge of planning a successor to the Cassini spacecraft to further explore the Saturnian system. In your opinion, which satellites in the system should be examined more closely? What data should be collected? What kinds of questions should the new mission attempt to answer?

Short Answer

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A new mission to the Saturnian system could focus on satellites like Titan and Enceladus due to their potential for life. Data to be collected might include more detailed surface images, atmospheric composition, geologic activity, and detection of heat signatures. The mission should attempt to answer research questions revolving around the possibility of life, the age and origin of the system, the geologic activity on these moons, and the composition of their atmospheres.

Step by step solution

01

Selection of Satellites

Identify which satellites within the Saturnian system are of most interest scientifically. This could be based on variety of factors, such as their size, composition, potential for life, or previous discoveries associated with them. For example, considering the findings of the Cassini mission, the moons Titan and Enceladus could be of particular interest due to their potential for harboring life.
02

Data to be Collected

Next, decide what kind of data should be collected from these satellites. Information about their orbits, physical characteristics, atmospheric composition, geologic activity, and possible signs of life could be interesting points to research. For instance, more detailed surface images, readings of atmospheric composition or detecting heat signatures would provide a wealth of information about these moons.
03

Formation of Questions

Lastly, construct the research questions that the new mission should attempt to answer. The questions could be about the possibility of life existence, the age, and the origin of the Saturnian system or specific satellites within. For example, questions might include: 'Does Enceladus have subsurface oceans?', 'What are the components of Titan's atmosphere?' or 'How were these satellites formed?'

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