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Saturn Hexagon

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First discovered by the Voyager spacecraft in the early 1980s, NASA has recently released new images of the mysterious hexagon-shaped storm on Saturn’s northern pole. Taken with their Cassini Spacecraft, visible light images like this were not originally possible when Cassini arrived at Saturn back in 2004 due to the entire northern hemisphere being in winter solstice.

Size

The hexagon measures 25,000 km (15,500 mi) across, with each side being 13,800 km (8,600 mi) long. As the above image demonstrates, it’s wide enough to fit nearly four earth’s inside of it.

Composition

The hexagonal ring itself is created by a jet stream, while the center contains a spiralling vortex of clouds. Scientists say that the storm reaches speeds up to 354 km/h (220 mph).

Explanation?

In short, we can’t figure it out. Namely, scientists don’t currently understand where the storm obtains and expels its energy, or how/why it has stayed in such an organized shape for so long.

You can read more about this hexagonal goodness here and view more images here.

Posted by: Owen Perry

14 Comments Leave A Comment

3

Owen says:

May 9, 2013 at 7:17 pm

@anonymous That’s it! It’s a display of elation from the gods upon hearing Boards of Canada has finally decided to release another album.

6

Zehra says:

June 25, 2013 at 12:32 am

Sarah!! I love the fishing phoots they look amazing. The little flip outs are such a good idea.The story about Flynnie and the the little Sawyers’ is adorable, these are the stories that can get forgotten over time so great that you’ve recorded it.Also very proud of your hexagons!