The strange hexagonal shape on Saturn's north pole is a unique atmospheric feature that has been captured by spacecraft and telescopes. It is a six-sided jet stream that is larger than the Earth's diameter and rotates in sync with the planet's rotation.
The hexagonal shape was first discovered by the Voyager spacecraft in the early 1980s. It was later studied in more detail by the Cassini spacecraft, which arrived at Saturn in 2004 and has been continuously observing the planet's atmosphere since then.
Scientists believe that the hexagonal shape is formed by the interaction of Saturn's atmosphere with its strong eastward winds. The winds create a standing wave pattern, with six sides, that is then maintained by the planet's rotation.
While the hexagonal shape on Saturn's north pole is the most prominent and well-studied, similar shapes have been observed on other planets, such as Jupiter and Neptune. However, Saturn's hexagon is by far the largest and most well-defined.
Studying the hexagonal shape on Saturn's north pole can provide valuable insights into the planet's atmospheric dynamics and the behavior of jet streams. It also helps us better understand the similarities and differences between planetary atmospheres and how they are affected by various factors.