Scientists have identified a massive 10-sided wave pattern, or decagon, in the ammonia clouds over Saturn’s south pole, which is more extensive and volatile than the well-known hexagon at the north pole. This pattern was observed in 2023 using the Hubble Space Telescope after previous attempts yielded no results. Researchers believe it formed between 2017 and 2023 when this region was not visible from Earth.
The decagon measures more than 10,000 miles (16,700 kilometers) on one side and is still evolving, migrating eastward at about 6 mph (10 kph). This discovery indicates that Saturn’s atmospheric phenomena, including the unique hexagon, may not be as singular as previously thought.
Lead author Agustin Sanchez-Lavega emphasized the importance of this finding for understanding atmospheric dynamics in giant gas planets. By examining these two distinct formations, scientists aim to uncover more about Saturn’s weather patterns. Future observations could provide further insights into this intriguing atmospheric behavior, and it remains uncertain if the decagon will persist as long as the hexagon, which has been observed for over 40 years.
