Something weird's going on at Saturn. Hubble has spotted a 10-sided geometric formation in the planet's clouds
Astronomers using the Hubble Space Telescope have identified a new 10-sided geometric storm pattern at Saturn's south pole. This decagon formation is distinct from the well-known hexagonal storm at the planet's north pole and suggests evolving atmospheric phenomena.
Why it matters
New discoveries in planetary science enhance our understanding of atmospheric dynamics and fluid mechanics in gas giants.
“The most intriguing part to me is that this seems to have just formed recently,” says Amy Simon at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.
"The question is, why did it suddenly form now when we haven’t seen one before?"
Scientists have spotted a strange, 10-sided feature in Saturn's clouds. The strange decagon was spotted encircling the planet's south pole by the Hubble Space Telescope.
A regular-sided jet pattern has never been observed in Saturn's southern hemisphere before. So what is it and what's going on?
Saturn is mostly made of gas – specifically hydrogen and helium – and its atmosphere rages with ferocious winds that can reach speeds of up to 500 miles per hour (800 kph).
Within this stormy atmosphere, a strange 10-sided shape has formed at the south pole.
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