‘Magic Islands’ Found On Saturn’s Moon In Kraken Mare, Images Released


Two “magic islands” on Saturn’s moon Titan have made an appearance and were captured in images released by NASA that were taken by the Cassini spacecraft.

IFL Science reports that the two unexplained spots, or “magic islands,” were discovered in Kraken Mare – the largest sea on Titan.

magic islands
Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASI/Cornell

The “magic islands” found in the images reportedly match the one that was found in the second largest sea on Titan, Ligeia Mare, in July of last year. An image taken in July of 2013 showed an unexplained spot in Ligeia Mare. However, the “magic islands” apparently performed a disappearing act and were not seen again in images taken thereafter.

magic islands
Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASI/Cornell

National Geographic reports that the first of the “magic islands” found in Ligeia Mare appeared on the lake’s surface but then quickly disappeared. Two additional “magic islands” were discovered through Cassini spacecraft observations of Kraken Mare from an August 21 flyby. As shown in the images reflecting the same area in both July 2013 and August 2014, the unexplained spots that were visibly present in August 2014 were not there in July of last year.

These findings have raised speculation that scientists were able to show that splashing waves may exist within the liquid methane seas of this Saturn moon.

Jason Soderblom, a member of the Cassini team that reported the observations, addressed that speculation in his own statement.

“They could be waves, or they could be something more solid. We definitely know now they are something reflecting from the surface.”

Besides Earth, the Saturn moon Titan is the only other body that has rain-carved geography capable of being studied. The possibility of there being a lake with splashing waves has reportedly intrigued NASA scientists to the point of continuing their observations.

Stephen Wall, the deputy lead of the Cassini radar team based in Pasadena, CA stated that his team looks forward to observing any future changes that may occur within this Titan sea.

“Science loves a mystery, and with this enigmatic feature, we have a thrilling example of ongoing change on Titan. We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to continue watching the changes unfold and gain insights about what’s going on in that alien sea.”

The August 21 flyby allowed the Cassini spacecraft to explore a lot more than just the “magic islands” of Kraken Mare. While passing nearly 600 miles above Titan, the Cassini was able to help confirm that Kraken Mare has a depth of over 650 feet. To help put things into perspective, the second largest methane sea on Titan (Ligeia Mare) holds three times the volume of Lake Superior.

What do you think about the “magic islands” on Titan?

[Image Credit: Astronomy Now & NASA]

Share this article: ‘Magic Islands’ Found On Saturn’s Moon In Kraken Mare, Images Released
More from Inquisitr