What is a hydrocarbon lake?
Quick Answer
A hydrocarbon lake is a lake of liquid methane and ethane rather than water. Titan, Saturn’s largest moon, is the best-known world with them.
The Full Story
Hydrocarbon lakes are found in extremely cold environments where water is frozen solid and other substances can remain liquid. Titan has the most famous examples, including large lakes and seas near its poles such as Kraken Mare and Ligeia Mare. These liquids are mainly methane and ethane, supported by Titan’s frigid surface temperature of about minus 179 degrees Celsius. Their existence makes Titan one of the most Earth-like yet alien-looking places in the Solar System.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"A moon with lakes that aren’t made of water"
Was this answer helpful?
Tap a reaction — it helps us pick what to cover next.