The Swirling Storms of Saturn
Explanation:
Storms larger than hurricanes continually dot the upper atmosphere of the planet
Saturn.
A view of many
storms occurring simultaneously was
captured in July by the robot
Cassini spacecraft now orbiting
Saturn.
An
image of unusually high detail was made possible at that time when
Cassini isolated a very specific color of
polarized
infrared light.
The numerous white and dark spots visible above are the swirling
storm systems.
On Saturn, storms like these typically last for months and have even been
seen merging.
Bands of clouds that circle the entire planet are also clearly visible.
Saturn's complex and majestic
ring system is seen both in the foreground and the background.
The
above image
has been digitally shortened along the vertical.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
