Cyclones of Saturn!

Cassini space shuttle images sent back interesting photos to Nasa Astronomers earlier this month. Scientists were surprised to see images of giant cyclones on either end of the planet's poles. What is so special about these poles is the fact that they are powered by storm patterns similar to those of Earth's.

Time lapsed movies (taken in infrared) show they cyclones to be rotating at a speed of 530km/h. The storm itself is raging inside of a large hexagon, which remains still. Scientists are confused in that the hexagon remains still despite raging winds from both sides. The storms are currently locked upon the poles, unlike those on earth which move across the ocean.

The eye of the vortexes is surrounded by a high ring of clouds. Scientists are crediting the size and power of the storms to Saturn's high level of convection. Further looks into the storms will be made in alternate seasons of the planet.

both photos are courtesy of Nasa. com. (top) an infrared image shows he apparent hexagonal shape surrounding the northern cyclone. (above) detailed imaging shows the storm using two different cameras.

For more information, check out: http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/cassini/media/cassini-20081013.html - Take note of the spelling error in the title!