Buy this superb high resolution image of an Earth-size storm on the Saturn from the ongoing Cassini Mission.
PIA08411 - 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.
Text: APOD