[Previous] | [Session 45] | [Next]
J.T.T. M'akinen, A.-M. Harri, T. Siili, A. Lehto, H. Kahanp'a'a, M. Genzer, G.W. Leppelmeier, J. Leinonen (Finnish Meteorological Institute)
The Huygens probe descended through the atmosphere of Titan on January 14, 2005, providing an excellent set of observations. As a part of the Huygens Atmospheric Structure Instrument (HASI) measuring several variables, including acceleration, pressure, temperature and atmospheric electricity, the Pressure Profile Instrument (PPI) provided by FMI commenced operations after the deployment of the main parachute and jettisoning of the heat shield at an altitude of about 160 km. Based on aerodynamic considerations, PPI measured the total pressure with a Kiel probe at the end of a boom, connected to the sensor electronics inside the probe through an inlet tube. The instrument performed flawlessly during the 2.5 hour descent and the 0.5 hour surface phase before the termination of radio link between Huygens and the Cassini orbiter.
We present an analysis of the pressure data including recreation of the pressure, temperature, altitude, velocity and acceleration profiles as well as an estimate for the level of atmospheric activity on the surface of Titan.
[Previous] | [Session 45] | [Next]
Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 37 #3
© 2004. The American Astronomical Soceity.