A World Apart.

The article focuses on the European probe Huygens which landed on Saturn's moon Titan, and researchers are still breathlessly trying to make sense of all of the data. At a press conference in Paris, Huygens scientists announced more stunning findings from a mission that has been far more than just a brilliant engineering success. Perhaps the most astonishing thing about the pictures Huygens has beamed back is how familiar Titan looks. In particular, this moon of rock-hard ice, organic goo, and liquefied natural gas bears a striking resemblance to deserts like the Mojave and to Mars. The rocks are probably water ice, as suggested by spectra taken by Huygens. Huygens's view of Titan on its way down made it plain that powerful currents have indeed carved the moon's surface.