Saturn’s moon Titan has long piqued the interest of scientists because its surface is covered in seas, lakes, and rivers — which are strangely filled with liquid methane. Although the moon has a number of obvious differences from Earth (its surface temperature is a frigid -289 degrees Fahrenheit, among other things), it’s still an “enticing target for human exploration” because its bountiful liquids and unique atmosphere “could actually support life,” says Megan Garber at The Atlantic. In recent years, both NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) have beamed back images of the moon’s “planet-like body,” which may even have a “subsurface ocean.”
But how do you explore a moon covered in methane oceans and rivers? In a space boat, obviously.

Reblogged from theweekmagazine|33 notes