Saturn's mysterious hexagon has changed from blue to gold - and no one knows why

[n2doc]

It’s like nothing we’ve seen on any other planet in the entire Universe, and now the mysterious structure on Saturn’s north pole just got even weirder.

In just four years, Saturn’s hexagon has changed its colour from blue to gold. So far, our best guess as to why this change occurred is that this is what it looks like when Saturn's north pole gears up for next year's summer solstice.

Discovered almost 30 years ago, Saturn’s hexagon is a six-sided structure that spans roughly 32,000 km (20,000 miles) in diameter, and extends about 100 km (60 miles) down into the planet’s dense atmosphere.

As observed by NASA’s Voyager and Cassini spacecraft, each point of the hexagon appears to rotate at its centre at nearly the same rate that Saturn rotates on its axis. Along the rim of the hexagon, a jet stream of air is blasting eastward at speeds of 321 km/h (200 mph).

more
http://www.sciencealert.com/saturn-s-mysterious-hexagon-has-changed-from-blue-to-gold-and-no-one-knows-why/

[PJMcK]

1. As Mr. Spock would say, "Fascinating."

There is still so much to learn about our own solar system. Surprises are everywhere!

Thanks for posting the link, n2doc.

[Qutzupalotl]

2. Maybe it's like that blue and gold dress.

[kristopher]

4. Seasonal change in angle of incidence of sunlight

Or so I've heard...

[Warren DeMontague]

5. ITS CHARGING UP TO FIRE