Space

Why is there a giant hexagon at Saturn's north pole?

Because a powerful jet stream forms a long-lasting six-sided atmospheric wave. Saturn's north polar hexagon is not a solid shape. It is a huge pattern in moving gas surrounding a fast jet stream. Differences in wind speed can support a wave with six corners that rotates around the pole for years.

Illustration of there a giant hexagon at saturn's north pole for the question "Why is there a giant hexagon at Saturn's north pole?"
Public mode