
Astronomers claim that there was registered a change of color at the pole of Saturn.
STATES CHRONICLE – NASA’s spaceship Cassini has revealed a change in the color of the pole of Saturn. Saturn seems to have changed its appearance towards the northern polar region. These gradual changes were registered to happen during a four-year time span, from 2012 to 2016. Men of science are currently investigating the change that occurred in the color of the pole of Saturn.
As we all known, Saturn is the sixth planet from the Sun, being surpassed by Jupiter and categorized as the second biggest planet in our Solar System. Like Jupiter, Saturn is a planet dominated by several types of gasses and a lot of swings in the composition of its atmosphere. The atmosphere of the world contains methane, helium, and hydrogen among a lot of other substances.
Many astronomers are of the opinion that the color change could be a consequence of Saturn’s seasons. The evidence reveals the change that occurred from bluish to golden color. This could prove the high level of photochemical smog in the atmosphere. In May 2017, Saturn will begin its summer solstice.
Experts believe that the bluish hexagon from the north pole of Saturn might behave like a barrier which rejects the gasses and substances which are generated outside its atmosphere. Based on the declarations of the US space agency, the hexagonal area which turned blue behaves just like a shield meant to protect Saturn’s atmosphere.
Scientists recalled that during Saturn’s polar winter that occurred between November 1995 and August 2009, the pole of Saturn has displayed a clear air.
The atmosphere was free photochemical reactions’ products called aerosols. Those reactions need the use of the air and the sunlight. Since August 2009, when the planet underwent the equinox, the atmosphere of Saturn’s north pole was bathing in sunlight. Gasses like aerosols are being generated only inside the hexagonal shaped area of the pole of Saturn.
NASA’s rover called Cassini has set for a journey to Saturn about seven years ago and provided astronomers with a lot of useful captures and data. Cassini spacecraft has recently captured some hazy pictures of Saturn’s north pole. Other factors that might have contributed to the color changes may be the alterations that occurred in atmospheric circulation.
Astronomers’ analysis indicated that the winds which dominate the polar area of Saturn might have been influenced by the shifts that seasonally appear in the conventions of solar warming.
Image source: