Scientists have discovered a strange new pattern near Saturn's south pole. The shape has 10 sides and surrounds the pole like a giant ring. It reminds researchers of the famous six-sided hexagon at Saturn's north pole.
Unlike the hexagon, this 10-sided pattern seems to be new. Data from the Hubble Space Telescope suggests it only recently formed. Scientists are not yet sure what causes these strange shapes in Saturn's atmosphere. The discovery could help explain how weather works on giant gas planets.
PASADENA, Calif. — Sept. 12, 2026
Scientists have discovered a strange new atmospheric pattern surrounding Saturn's south pole. The newly identified shape has ten sides, earning comparisons to a decagon. It stands in contrast to Saturn's famous six-sided hexagon at the north pole, which has intrigued astronomers for decades. Researchers used archived data from the Hubble Space Telescope to make the discovery. The finding surprised researchers who had expected any new pattern to resemble the familiar hexagon shape.
Unlike the long-standing northern hexagon, the new southern pattern appears to be relatively recent. Hubble observations suggest the shape only formed within the past several years. Scientists are still studying what atmospheric forces might create such a symmetrical pattern. Saturn's poles experience extreme jet streams that can produce unusual and long-lasting shapes. Some scientists believe seasonal changes on Saturn could be linked to the pattern's sudden appearance.
The discovery adds a new piece to the puzzle of how gas giant atmospheres behave. Jupiter, Saturn, and other large planets often display complex, swirling weather systems. Understanding Saturn's poles could help scientists model atmospheres on planets outside our solar system as well. Researchers say further observations will be needed to confirm exactly how the pattern formed and how long it will last. NASA plans to continue monitoring Saturn using both Hubble and other telescopes in the years ahead.