On Saturn, Cassini Observes Huge Storm, Causing Incredible Temperature Spike
On Saturn, Cassini Observes Huge Storm, Causing Incredible Temperature Spike
by Eyder Peralta
October 25, 2012 4:58 PM
"Frankenstorm" may be drawing the attention of meteorologists here on Earth.
But NASA scientists using the Cassini spacecraft have witnessed a rare massive storm on Saturn that was so violent it sent the temperature in the planet's stratosphere soaring to 150 degrees Fahrenheit above normal.
To put it in perspective Brigette Hesman, a University of Maryland scientist who writes about the findings in the Nov. 20 issue of the Astrophysical Journal, says that would be like "going from the depths of winter in Fairbanks, Alaska, to the height of summer in the Mojave Desert."
"This temperature spike is so extreme it's almost unbelievable, especially in this part of Saturn's atmosphere, which typically is very stable," Hesman, who also works at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, said in a press release.
More:
http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2012/10/25/163654064/on-saturn-cassini-observes-huge-storm-causing-incredible-temperature-spike?ft=1&f=1001
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I remember seeing those first images from Huygens of those river channels and my jaw was on the floor! 
A world where ice is like rock and hydrocarbons form rivers and seas. Frickin' incredible.
