Hexagonal spinning cloud pattern (gif) encircling Saturn’s north pole, as seen by Cassini. This thing is huge (two Earth diameters across) and was first seen by Voyagers 1 and 2 in the early 1980s, proving it to be a persistent feature.
The hexagon is similar to Earth’s polar vortex, which has winds blowing in a circular pattern around the polar region. On Saturn, the vortex has a hexagonal rather than circular shape. The hexagon is nearly 25,000 kilometers (15,000 miles) across. Nearly four Earths could fit inside it.
On Saturn’s south pole, a giant hurricane rages.
dailymeh posted this on November 11, 2011
