Abstract
We report observations of Titan using 190 images from the Hubble Space Telescope WFPC2 and NICMOS over 4 oppositions of Titan 1994–1997. Analysis of these images yields maps of surface brightness at 0.67, 0.94, and 1.08 μm that compare well with Cassini data, plus some transient features that are interpreted as large cloud systems. These systems indicate either two clouds covering 2 × 106 km2 (~10% of Titan's observable disk and 2–3% of Titan's surface) in September 1995 or a repeat observation of a single cloud. The clouds are estimated to be upper-tropospheric, with tops between 27 and 39 km altitude. This pre-Cassini observation of prominent cloud activity near 30°N and 40°N shortly before equinox (Ls = 177°) mirrors more recent Cassini observations and serves as an important constraint on the seasonal variation of convective activity with latitude on Titan.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
