Saturn's mysterious hexagon changes colour

Brian G Turner

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Saturn's mysterious hexagon at its north pole has apparently changed colour, from blue to gold, over the past 4 years:

Saturn's weird hexagon changes colour - BBC News

The change in colour is thought to be the result of seasonal changes on the planet.

In particular, the amount of sunlight falling on the poles affects the production of suspended particles - aerosols - in the atmosphere.

Scientists think the shift from a bluish colour to a golden one may be due to more aerosols being produced through reactions involving sunlight and the atmosphere.

This could be happening as the planet's north pole reaches its summer solstice in May 2017.
 
Hey, everyone! It's summer solstice on Saturn in May 2017. Let's catch the next shuttle and go to the aerosol show! It's only like 69 light minutes away. :)
 

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