Explanation:
How do large storms evolve on Saturn?
On Earth, a
hurricane can persist for weeks, while the
Great Red Spot on
Jupiter has been in existence for
over 150 years.
On Saturn,
a storm system has now set a new endurance record,
now being discernable for greater than three months.
Electrical signals
were detected from the storm in late November of 2007, while the
above image
was taken in early March 2008.
The storm has roughly the width of planet Earth.
Planetary scientists hypothesize that the storm runs deep into Saturn's cloud tops.
The above image
is shown in exaggerated colors combining violet and green light with light normally
too red
for humans to see.
Visible on the upper right are shadows of
Saturn's
expansive ring system.
Careful inspection will reveal Saturn's small moon
Janus just below a ring shadow.
Understanding weather on other planets helps
atmospheric scientists better understand our Earth's weather.
Observers of our
Solar System's
huge ringed world will be tracking the storm to see how it evolves and how
long it will ultimately last.
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