With the recent landing of a space probe on one of Saturn’s moons, knowledge about Earth’s early years may become more clear.

Titan, a moon of Saturn that is very similar to Earth — despite its extremely cold conditions — had its picture taken for the first time in mid-January.

William Kurth, physics and astronomy professor at the University of Iowa, is one of many scientists from all over the United States and Europe working with the Cassini-Huygens spacecraft. He said the university has an instrument onboard. The spacecraft, which was launched in October 1997, recently reached Saturn, its final destination.

“I think it’s simply phenomenal,” Kurth said. “The mission itself has been virtually flawless.”

Kurth said he has been very pleased with the results that have come back. After the space probe entered Titan’s atmosphere Jan. 14, it has given scientists and fans around the world something to be excited about.

Although it was only able to record five hours of data before its battery ran out, the probe was able to see erosions and evidence of lake or ocean beds on the moon.

Kurth also said methane was found in three different forms — similar to water on Earth. Because of the cold conditions, water only exists in the form of ice.

Saturn’s rotation might have slowed down as well, Kurth said.

When the two Voyagers went past Saturn in the late 1980s, the rotation was 10 hours, 40 minutes. The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft has measured it at 10 hours, 46 minutes.

Kristian Anderson, the space science specialist for the Science Center of Iowa in Des Moines, said the science center has set up a planetarium presentation for the spacecraft mission, as well as a display.

Anderson said that when the Voyagers passed by two decades ago, neither one had much time to take pictures and gather data.

“It kind of whetted everybody’s appetite,” Anderson said.

He said the Cassini mission is planned for four years, but he expects it will be extended two or more years depending on the condition of the spacecraft.

He said because of the large quantity of information coming in, it could take years to examine everything.

“You don’t always get the instant signs, the instant gratification that we want,” Anderson said. “Sometimes it takes a few years.”

Steven Kawaler, professor of physics and astronomy, said he is a big fan of the mission and has been following the progress of the spacecraft since the beginning.

“It’s just a spectacular mission,” Kawaler said.