This view from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft was snapped about half a day before its first close pass by the outer edges of Saturn’s main rings during its penultimate mission phase.
The view shows part of the giant, hexagon-shaped jet stream around the planet’s north pole. Each side of the hexagon is about as wide as Earth. A circular storm lies at the centre at the pole.
The image was taken with the Cassini spacecraft wide-angle camera on 3 December 2016 at a distance of about 390,000 kilometres from Saturn.
Originally published by Cosmos as Cassini close-up
Cosmos
Curated content from the editorial staff at Cosmos Magazine.
Read science facts, not fiction...
There’s never been a more important time to explain the facts, cherish evidence-based knowledge and to showcase the latest scientific, technological and engineering breakthroughs. Cosmos is published by The Royal Institution of Australia, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the world of science. Financial contributions, however big or small, help us provide access to trusted science information at a time when the world needs it most. Please support us by making a donation or purchasing a subscription today.