User:Tlw051/Kraken Mare

Description
This connection has been suggested for the difference in sea composition, as certain compounds flow into Kraken Mare from Ligeia Mare. In addition, Kraken Mare has a lower methane concentration than Ligeia Mare.

Other calculations estimate tides as high as 5 meters.

Changing features known as "Magic Islands" are observed in Kraken Mare. These features, which are further indication of an active hydrocarbon cycle on Titan, are possibly rising bubbles due to nitrogen exsolution.

Observation and Exploration
Kraken Mare, along with other Lakes of Titan, was first discovered by the Cassini–Huygens space probe on July 22nd, 2006. This was accomplished by noticing that certain dark regions, especially near the poles, had low radar reflectivity, as well as similar morphological features to that of terrestrial lakes. Many observations since have confirmed these findings. In addition to the radar images, the Cassini instrument VIMS (Visible and Infrared Mapping Spectrometer) has surveyed Kraken Mare and it's surroundings.

There have been multiple proposals and ideas to explore the depths of Kraken Mare via probes and submarines. One such submarine has gone through a phase one NASA study, complete with submarine design and schematics. Another proposal, the Titan Mare Explorer was a finalist to explore the lake Ligeia Mare, with Kraken Mare as the secondary target, but InSight, a Mars lander, was accepted instead. The Titan Mare Explorer has also suggested to be included in the Titan Saturn System Mission.

While a mission to Titan has been approved, the drone Dragonfly (spacecraft), there are no current missions to explore Kraken Mare or other lakes on Titan.