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Something weird's going on at Saturn. Hubble has spotted a 10-sided geometric formation in the planet's clouds
BBC Sky at Night Magazine • • general
Key Points:
- Scientists have discovered a new 10-sided atmospheric feature, or decagon, encircling Saturn's south pole, observed for the first time by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2023.
- This decagon differs from the previously known hexagon storm at Saturn's north pole, indicating a new atmospheric phenomenon developing in the planet's southern hemisphere.
- The decagon is a large wave within one of Saturn’s jet streams, extending through multiple atmospheric layers, and appears to be strengthening, providing a rare chance to study its formation and evolution.
- The discovery was aided by Saturn’s seasonal changes bringing the south pole into view, with contributions from both professional and amateur astronomers analyzing ground and space-based imagery.
- Researchers plan to continue observations with Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope and use computer models to understand the decagon’s origin, longevity, and relationship to the northern hexagon.
