Astronomers Spot a Strange Atmospheric Wave Above Saturn’s South Pole
And it could stick around for decades The post Astronomers Spot a Strange Atmospheric Wave Above Saturn’s South Pole appeared first on Nautilus .
Astronomers have recently discovered an unusual decagon-shaped atmospheric wave above Saturn's south pole, distinct from the hexagonal pattern observed at the planet's north pole since at least 40 years ago. The new wave was first detected by the Hubble Space Telescope in 2023, with additional observations from Hubble and ground-based stations providing a more detailed analysis.
Published in Science Advances, the study attributes the wave's formation to a fast-moving eastward wind current, stretching down into multiple layers of Saturn's turbulent atmosphere. The decagon measures over 55,000 miles per side, large enough to encompass Earth three or four times. Measuring 8.2 feet per second, the wave displays a "wobble" and shifts position every 32 days, unlike the more stable hexagon at the north pole.
Researchers are still exploring the mechanisms behind the decagon's creation, with potential influences from Saturn's Red Spot storm and the planet's rotation and jet streams.
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