Science
Hubble observations detect ten-sided cloud feature near Saturn's south pole
Observations by the Hubble Space Telescope show a decagon cloud pattern at Saturn's south pole, according to NASA News.
The short version
- Hubble Space Telescope data revealed a ten-sided decagon cloud structure encircling Saturn's south pole.[NASA News]
- The southern feature differs from the six-sided hexagon at the north pole, which was first identified in 1987 Voyager data.[NASA News]
- Scientists hypothesize the shape may stem from wave interactions between fast-moving and slower-moving atmospheric gases.[NASA News]
- Researchers have not yet determined the long-term stability of the newly discovered southern decagon.[NASA News]
Key facts
- Hubble Space Telescope observations identified a 10-sided decagon cloud structure around the south pole of Saturn.[NASA News]
- Saturn's north pole possesses a six-sided hexagonal cloud pattern detected in 1987 from Voyager mission data.[NASA News]
- The geometric boundaries may result from wave interactions between rapid gas flows away from the poles and slower gas closer to them.[NASA News]
What remains uncertain
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.