Science
Scientists discover 10-sided wave pattern over Saturn's south pole
Hubble observations reveal a shifting decagonal jet stream formation larger than the planet's northern hexagon.
The short version
- Astronomers detected a massive 10-sided geometric cloud formation above Saturn's south pole using Hubble Space Telescope imagery from 2023.
- The newly identified decagon is larger and more dynamic than the well-known northern polar hexagon, traveling eastward at roughly 6 mph.
- Scientists plan to study the structure as Saturn's southern hemisphere becomes more visible to determine if it will endure like the northern hexagon.
Key facts
- A Spanish-led research team published findings in Science Advances detailing a 10-sided atmospheric wave pattern in the icy ammonia clouds over Saturn's south pole.[Associated Press]
- The decagon was spotted in 2023 by the Hubble Space Telescope and features individual sides exceeding 10,000 miles (16,700 kilometers) in length.[Associated Press]
- Unlike the northern hexagon, which is nearly stationary, the southern decagon drifts eastward at approximately 6 mph (10 kph).[Associated Press]
- Wind measurements inside the pattern were captured by Leigh Fletcher of the University of Leicester using the Very Large Telescope in Chile.[Associated Press]
What remains uncertain
- Researchers suspect the decagon emerged between 2017 and 2023 when the south pole was turned away from Earth, but the exact timing and mechanics of its formation remain unconfirmed.[Associated Press]
- It is unknown whether the decagon will persist for decades like the northern hexagon or whether it is a temporary, evolving phenomenon.[Associated Press]