NASA Explains Why Saturn Changed Color From Blue To Gold

Nov 28, 2018 by apost team

The wonders of Saturn have fascinated humankind for centuries. Recently, NASA has noticed a stark color change in its northern hemisphere. Studying the color change at Saturn’s north pole is now possible because of the arrival of the Cassini observational probe in 2004.

Astronomers have been aware of massive color shifts at the pole for a long time. Between 1995 and 2009, the area went through a period where it darkened significantly. NASA believes it can explain this event, along with providing a reason for the exciting color change happening now.

There is evidence that the area contains a massive vortex of atmospheric chemicals. These chemicals react with each other when they are exposed to solar radiation. This is no small occurrence. The hexagonal vortex itself is the size of some other planets.

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NASA theorizes that as Saturn makes its way back into a tilt toward the sun, the chemicals in the vortex begin reacting with one another. Unlike strange events on Earth, such as the Aurora Borealis, this reaction does not happen quickly.

In a sense, the color change marks the planet’s own seasons. Saturn’s localized color change was first noticed in 2012. It has taken eight years for the shift to a golden appearance to happen.

Saturn was named for the titan in Roman mythology who was responsible for setting time in motion. NASA’s theory about its mysterious color changes seems to coincide perfectly with that character.

Are you an active amateur astronomer? Do you believe you have a better theory for Saturn’s shift from blue to gold? Tell us about your otherworldly observations and theories and in the meantime send this one to your friends and folks for some daily science dose!