May 4, 2024

We Asked a NASA Scientist: Are There Rivers and Lakes on Other Worlds?

That suggests that we do not simply have lakes and streams and rivers. We also have rain and clouds. And Titan is one of the only locations in the solar system where it may be possible to see a rainbow.
Exist rivers and lakes on other worlds? You wager. Similar to Earth, Saturns moon Titan is house to these relatively unique functions, other than these rivers and lakes arent filled with water. Planetary scientist Dr. Sarah Hörst spills the science tea.
At other points in planetary system history, we do believe that other worlds likewise had streams and lakes. Mars, for instance, we understand, had a lot of liquid water on its surface area previously in its history.
Today theres only 2 places in our solar system that presently have liquid on their surface– Earth and Titan.
So, are there rivers and lakes on other worlds? In our solar system, the answer is definitely yes, but we also know that theres more to be found as we start to find out more about worlds around other stars.
We Asked a NASA Expert Video Series

This composite image shows an infrared view of Saturns moon Titan from NASAs Cassini spacecraft, acquired during the missions “T-114” flyby on November 13, 2015. Titan has lakes and rivers on its surface, however they are constructed of methane and ethane. Credit: NASA
Are there rivers and lakes on other worlds?
The answer, surprisingly, is yes!
Titan, which is the biggest moon of Saturn, has lakes and rivers on its surface. Unlike Earth, the rivers and lakes, and streams on Titan are made out of methane and ethane.

Titan has lakes and rivers on its surface, however they are made out of methane and ethane. Titan, which is the largest moon of Saturn, has lakes and rivers on its surface. Unlike Earth, the rivers and lakes, and streams on Titan are made out of methane and ethane. Simply like Earth, Saturns moon Titan is house to these relatively unique features, except these rivers and lakes arent filled with water.