Author Topic: Changing colors in Saturn's North Polar region  (Read 937 times)

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Offline Ghost Bear

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Changing colors in Saturn's North Polar region
« on: November 10, 2016, 04:15:03 pm »
Changing colors in Saturn's North Polar region

Scientists are investigating potential causes for the change in color of the region inside the north-polar hexagon on Saturn. The color change is thought to be an effect of Saturn's seasons. In particular, the change from a bluish color to a more golden hue may be due to the increased production of photochemical hazes in the atmosphere as the north pole approaches summer solstice in May 2017.

Researchers think the hexagon, which is a six-sided jetstream, might act as a barrier that prevents haze particles produced outside it from entering. During the polar winter night between November 1995 and August 2009, Saturn's north polar atmosphere became clear of aerosols produced by photochemical reactions -- reactions involving sunlight and the atmosphere. Since the planet experienced equinox in August 2009, the polar atmosphere has been basking in continuous sunshine, and aerosols are being produced inside of the hexagon, around the north pole, making the polar atmosphere appear hazy today.

More, including photos, at the link: https://www.nasa.gov/image-feature/jpl/pia21049/changing-colors-in-saturns-north
Let it burn.

geronl

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Re: Changing colors in Saturn's North Polar region
« Reply #1 on: November 10, 2016, 04:59:10 pm »
pollution...

Offline Ghost Bear

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Re: Changing colors in Saturn's North Polar region
« Reply #2 on: November 10, 2016, 05:04:46 pm »
Let it burn.

Offline Gefn

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Re: Changing colors in Saturn's North Polar region
« Reply #3 on: November 13, 2016, 02:04:33 pm »
Global warming!   :whistle:

Aliens!!!


( in all seriousness, great article. )
« Last Edit: November 13, 2016, 02:05:31 pm by Freya »
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