Astronomers Detect a 10-Sided Structure in Saturn's Atmosphere
Astronomers have discovered a 10-sided atmospheric structure at Saturn's south pole, similar to the well-known hexagon at the north pole. This finding suggests that polygonal weather patterns are a recurring feature of the planet's atmosphere.
Why it matters
This discovery challenges previous assumptions about Saturn's atmospheric dynamics and provides new data for planetary science.
Add ScienceAlert on Google Polar projection of Saturn's southern hemisphere from Hubble data, revealing the decagon. (NASA, ESA, A. Sánchez-Lavega (Basque Country University, EHU)) Saturn , apparently, has been hiding its talents.
For decades, humanity has puzzled over the gas giant's enormous hexagon swirling around its north pole – a six-sided atmospheric structure unlike anything else known in the Solar System.
Now, it seems, that bizarre feature is not an isolated incident – and Saturn may have a propensity for polygons, rather than a passing whim.
Lurking around the planet's south pole, astronomers led by Agustín Sánchez-Lavega of the University of the Basque Country in Spain have spotted another giant polygon – and this one has ten sides.
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