Using Spectral Data to Explore Saturn and Titan
(left) A missions operations specialist at the University of Colorado's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics controls a spacecraft to collect data to further understand planetary science. (right) The Cassini orbiter carries specially-designed spectral filters that can pierce Titan's veil and capture an image of Saturn's moon.
Students use authentic spectral data from the Cassini mission of Saturn and Saturn's moon, Titan, gathered by instrumentation developed by engineers. Taking these unknown data, and comparing it with known data, students determine the chemical composition of Saturn's rings and Titan's atmosphere.
The instruments aboard Cassini were engineered to gather data about Saturn and Saturn's moons and rings. Mechanical and electrical engineers designed and built these instruments to help advance our knowledge of planetary science.
After this activity, students should be able to:
- Explain that spectral data correlates to chemical compositions.
- Match plots of real data to experimentally known data.
- Describe how engineers design tools to help advance our knowledge of planetary science.