explanation
Storms larger than hurricanes continually dot the upper atmosphere of the planet Saturn. A view of many storms [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap050225.html ] occurring simultaneously was captured in July by the robot Cassini spacecraft [ http://saturn.jpl.nasa.gov/spacecraft/index.cfm ] now orbiting Saturn [ http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturn ]. An image of unusually high detail [ http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA07588 ] was made possible at that time when Cassini isolated a very specific color of polarized [ http://acept.la.asu.edu/PiN/rdg/polarize/polarize.shtml ] infrared [ http://coolcosmos.ipac.caltech.edu/cosmic_classroom/ir_tutorial/discovery.html ] light. The numerous white and dark spots visible above are the swirling storm systems [ http://antwrp.gsfc.nasa.gov/apod/ap041102.html ]. On Saturn, storms like these typically last for months and have even been seen merging [ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/science/nature/3612937.stm ]. Bands of clouds [ http://www.windows.ucar.edu/tour/link=/saturn/atmosphere/S_belts_zones.html ] that circle the entire planet are also clearly visible. Saturn's complex and majestic ring system [ http://www.planetary.org/saturn/images_saturn_rings.html ] is seen both in the foreground and the background. The above image [ http://photojournal.jpl.nasa.gov/catalog/PIA07588 ] has been digitally shortened along the vertical.
Explanation
false