Explanation: Why are Saturn’s Poles Geometric?
Saturn’s North Pole is famously surrounded by a hexagonal (6 sides) cloud pattern first discovered in 1987 through observations made by NASA’s Voyager spacecrafts. Recent studies, including observations from the Hubble Space Telescope, have revealed a decagonal (10 sides) cloud pattern around Saturn’s South Pole.
These geometric formations are thought to be caused by complex atmospheric dynamics. The fast-moving gas away from the poles interacts with slower-moving gas nearby, creating these distinct shapes.
In a composite image taken by Hubble last year, the South Pole of Saturn is clearly marked and surrounded by bands of circulating clouds, with the decagon most prominent in the darker inner regions. While the Northern Hexagon has been stable for over 40 years, researchers are actively studying the stability and implications of the Southern Decagon.
For further insights, you can explore Saturn’s features through NASA’s resources.
APOD’s main NASA site is moving:
From apod.nasa.gov to science.nasa.gov/apod
Tomorrow’s picture: open space!
