Saturn's Hexagon Could Be an Enormous Tower

D-brief
By Chelsea Gohd
Sep 5, 2018 5:00 PMMay 21, 2019 4:04 PM
Saturn's hexagon formation in its atmosphere swirls around
Saturn's hexagon swirling at the planet's north pole.(Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SSI/Hampton University)

Newsletter

Sign up for our email newsletter for the latest science news
 

Above Saturn’s north pole, clouds swirl in a distinct and stunning hexagonal shape. Discovered by NASA’s Voyager mission in 1981, Saturn’s hexagon is striking to behold, and one new study suggests that this six-sided vortex may actually be hundreds of kilometers tall.

0 free articles left
Want More? Get unlimited access for as low as $1.99/month

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

0 free articlesSubscribe
Discover Magazine Logo
Want more?

Keep reading for as low as $1.99!

Subscribe

Already a subscriber?

Register or Log In

Stay Curious

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and unlock one more article for free.

 

View our Privacy Policy


Want more?
Keep reading for as low as $1.99!


Log In or Register

Already a subscriber?
Find my Subscription

More From Discover
Stay Curious
Join
Our List

Sign up for our weekly science updates.

 
Subscribe
To The Magazine

Save up to 40% off the cover price when you subscribe to Discover magazine.

Copyright © 2025 LabX Media Group