A mystery glows on Saturn

Jake Sandeno, Spokane Washington — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 03:17:48 GMT

This is a peculiar event, but it is a wonderful phenomenon at the same time. It is interesting for this massive of an aurora borealis to occur on Saturn. Though Saturn is an amazing planet with many wonders that we don't understand. Thank you for sharing this great news.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Timmy Two Moons — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 04:35:57 GMT

I think Arthur C Clarke missed by one planet. Something weird is going on at Saturn and I'm hooked. Give us more Alan.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Mario — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:01:10 GMT

When you "color-code" it you can make it look anyway you want.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Scooter M, Seattle, WA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:05:45 GMT

Very, very, very cool. This is the type of phenom that sparks a fire in young minds all over the world. Keep it up guys. Great work. Well worth the 3.5 billion. We need more space exploration. It is our future.

A mystery glows on Saturn

fitz — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:17:06 GMT

Questions? Is the diameter of Saturn increasing or decreasing? Is the Density changing? Now think about how pressure variences in any field could change the electrical behavior of the planet?

A mystery glows on Saturn

Lynn, Santa Barbara CA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:20:43 GMT

This just shows us how magnificent God's creations are. How beautiful he is in his designs of these wonders. May you all rejoyce in his creations.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Bootny Farnsworth, Phoenix, AZ — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:33:44 GMT

What we're seeing on Saturn, is analogous to the changes all over our solar system - in some strange way these (for now) unexplained events are tied together.

A mystery glows on Saturn

JJ — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:36:58 GMT

That which is Below corresponds to that which is Above corresponds to that which is Below, to accomplish the miracle of one thing.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:39:43 GMT

The energies released by Saturns lightshow would probably equate to daylight on earth if it was going on here..or something like that.

Massive curtains of mindboggling light. It would drive a person 1/2 insane...if not totally.

It's known that a lightening bolt on Saturn releases the same energy as an atomic weapon!

This all goes to show how our science doesn't measure up since the observations totally nullify the best theories about aurora on Saturn. Recently the THEMIS satellites have altered perception about how the northern lights work here by showing direct connections of magnetic flux tubes between the Sun and earth. It will be a long time before humans can determine if such connections exist way out there. I am betting that they do.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Lou S., Tallahassee, FL — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 06:52:14 GMT

Clarke had it right! The 2001 novel is indeed about a mission to Saturn.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Tim C., San Francisco, CA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:11:19 GMT

Erm, Timmy Two Moons, Arthur C. Clarke did, in fact, place the events of 2001: A Space Odyssey at Saturn. Difficulties in making the rings look as convincing as the planet prompted the switch to Saturn in the film.

A mystery glows on Saturn

R.L. RANDALL, DANVILLE,CA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 07:21:39 GMT

WOW...THIS IS SOMETHING...THAT SHOWS HOW LITTLE WE KNOW OF THIS VAST UNIVERSE... CAN'T ENOUGH...SATURN IS A PLANET I HAVE STUDIED ON MY OWN DUE TO IT'S RINGS AND MOONS

A mystery glows on Saturn

Bob, San Diego, Ca. — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:01:33 GMT

Is there any connection between this northern hemisphere phenomenon on Saturn and the lighting storms in the south that were detected in April?

A mystery glows on Saturn

Birddog1,Bakersfield,California — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:04:02 GMT

Saturn Saturn...your rings hearald the beginning and you continue to suprise us.. more information on Saturn would be helpful.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Tim Rommes, Washington, UT — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:05:39 GMT

This is where Chris Reeve should chime in. The hexagonal shape is prevalent in electrical interactions. The current that causes this, and I seriously doubt that it is a magnetosphere effect, is likely caused by the spinning fluid and the difference is spin rates between layers. You can see where this has manifested as a physical effect on the cloud structure. This is one of the few things I have seen where I think the Electric Universe group has any valid point to make. And then it’s just an Electric Planet, or Electric Polar Region. But it looks like plasma physics comes into play.

A mystery glows on Saturn

JDAlaska — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:39:38 GMT

Actually, Timmy Two Moons, Arthur Clark's book actually takes place at Saturn: It was changed for the movie.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Graham Galaxian — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:41:42 GMT

"...physics which uniquely operates in the environment of Saturn." This was most intriguing of all, but completely unexplained. What are they talking about? I thought the laws of physics were universal?

And no Timmy, Arthur C Clarke wasn't picking the wrong planet. See related articles involving the multiplying "red spots" on Jupiter. Last I checked, there are 5 now. As interesting as Saturn has become, Jupiter is outpacing it.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Brett Los Angeles, CA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:43:19 GMT

A little while ago, around the time they discovered Saturn's hexagonal poles in the fly-by, I read an article saying that a group of scientists had actually predicted beforehand that Saturn should and would have that feature. It was based on the numerous dimensions present in our universe and that somehow Saturn was tied more closely to these than other planets. Something about it's density clued them if I remember correctly. But I can't remember where I read it.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:58:42 GMT

Saturn's northern aurora glows bluish-green in this color-coded infrared image.
The planet's polar cloud patterns are shown in shades of red. Scientists say
that the areas of auroral activity close to the pole shouldn't be there......instead of scientists expending energy into theories it shouldn't exists,,study and see clearly via wavelength theory to step away from earthly physics into new actualalities,,,study what we have not what we dont have,,thus conclusions in space evolve quickly to become simple and non complexive explorations.or ....NOT..hello

A mystery glows on Saturn

some one — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:00:25 GMT

wow

A mystery glows on Saturn

Benjamin Knotts, Dayton, Ohio — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 09:39:07 GMT

I know this is a crazy idea, but I'm just going to put it out there! I've been paying attention to information regarding the polar shifts of our own planet. (You know... the imaginary line that runs down the middle of the Earth) Well, it's moving, and apparently this directly effects our own electromagnetic atmosphere. I listen to Coast to Coast a.m., and the other night George had a scientist explaining that we're in for a real ride if our poles flip upside-down. I guess it's supposed to take place in the future. I wonder if Saturn is experiencing this type of phenomenon as well.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Daniel, Austin — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:12:28 GMT

Arthur C. Clarke didn't miss by one planet. The movie's storyline took place at Jupiter. The novel's storyline took place at Saturn, though I don't think aliens are involved (but you never know).

A mystery glows on Saturn

Monte Zerger — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:18:02 GMT

Hey, maybe that "bizarre six-sided cyclone" is Saturn's way of reminding us that it is the sixth planet from the sun.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Tom Ulcak, San Marcos, TX — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:25:55 GMT

What if Saturn has two cores with opposite charges that repel each other and cause them to orbit in the interior of Saturn around the center? Wouldn't this explain everything?

A mystery glows on Saturn

SSSIXXX — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:32:26 GMT

AM INTRIGUED BY THIS NEW FIND AND ITS DEFIANCE OF CONVENTIONAL WISDOM.

FURTHER

THE VORTEX OF SATURN IS YET ANOTHER IN A VOLUMOUS BUNDLE OF ARGUMENT THAT STATES:

ITS NAME AND NUMBER R SSSIXXX l..l,

A mystery glows on Saturn

lance, brooklyn , NYC — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 10:39:37 GMT

It is an interesting phenomenon to see aurora lights this bright on Saturn, yet it might be explicable in terms similar to the occasion of those lights on the north of south poles of planet earth.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Brian Ho — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:12:06 GMT

Not suppose to be there, that's funny. Arrogance at it's highest level.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Carl Asminova — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:26:12 GMT

Maybe we can spend $850 billion dollars and send a probe there to "see if there is water". Then we can complain about how the gov't doesn't have any money. I know, I know - 2 wars - I agree. But what do we have to show for the Trillion$ of dollars spent over decades at NASA? Space Food Sticks??? Please, do the usual and call me names, etc. But that won't remove the facts. We have spent trillions on NASA and have some really cool rockets. That is it. We have no working Mag Lev train. We have no competent Space Shuttle. We have no competent space station. Nothing.

A mystery glows on Saturn

John Peppe — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:38:24 GMT

The most visually appealing planet displays the most peculiar and contrasting properties. Mysterious & Exciting!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Andy the Sponge — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:55:02 GMT

Man the universe is an invredible place!

"Scientists say that the areas of auroral activity close to the pole shouldn't be there."

Really scientists? Shouldn't be there? Well...it is there, so I guess it "should" be. The sooner the scientific communities, and government for that matter, start having more openess, the more they will learn.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Kelldon — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 11:57:04 GMT

How little we know about our own planet and the rest of the universe we live. Just looking at the image it strikes me how uniform the underlying pattern is. It would seem that the possibility of this happening as a natural occurance is unlikely.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Steven F. Durst, Bayard, WV — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:04:18 GMT

I loved the discovery of little ringed shaped rocks found within the rings of Saturn. Now we have an "aura" that doesn't belong there.....I think God has a sense of humor.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Mike in Sterling, VA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:17:42 GMT

Actually, the ORIGINAL version of "2001 A Space Odyssey" DID go to Saturn. They changed it for the movie version because Saturn was too hard to do with the special effects of the time. When ACC wrote 2010 and 2061, he "re-wrote" his own history and the Discovery's mission went to Jupiter. It still aggravates me that he bowed to the plot of the movie and altered his story line. I do not know if he wrote a subsequent version of 2001 that went to Jupiter, but I hope not.

A mystery glows on Saturn

jesse Ocala, FL — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:26:44 GMT

i was told several years ago that saturn is inhabited by life as in cities with millions of people. that its not your average dead deserted planet as others in the solar system.

as discoveries such as the hexagon shaped norh pole( which seems to link saturn with the occult), lakes of water literally on saturns moons, the even equator line around the moon iapetus (look it up for more info), lack of "real" pictures of saturn (all pictures of saturn are highly blurry or extremely touched up with computer graphics....prove me wrong and find a real pic of saturn) and now these strange aurora lights.

it leads me to believe that saturn is indeed inhabited by someone or something. you dont see these type of things happening in wastelands like mercury or jupiter.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Atlanta — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:28:46 GMT

It's just Chladnian harmonics creating the shape. Everybody calm down already.

A mystery glows on Saturn

matt, kingsport, tn — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 12:56:56 GMT

the bible says there will be signs in the heavens and in the earth in the last days, this could be a sign from the heavens

A mystery glows on Saturn

tco123 — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:21:19 GMT

Interesting, I walked around with a flashlight last night, is that news? Another monumental waste of money

A mystery glows on Saturn

Scifi fana — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:24:15 GMT

Timmy, in the original _2001_ novel, the monolith sends its signal to Iapetus (a moon of Saturn), rather than Europa (Jupiter).

A mystery glows on Saturn

Mark Lankford, Mannheim, Germany — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:30:53 GMT

Saturn's six-sided cyclone, a hexagon, seen in Saturn's atmospheric patterns is more interesting that all the other observations thus far. What is currently known about that event?

A mystery glows on Saturn

Don Stockstill, Ozark, Missouri — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:36:33 GMT

Who knows, maybe the laws of physics and chemistry that apply on earth are different in deep space. I have always understood that the "great red spot" on Jupiter is simply an enormous cyclone in Jupiter's atmosphere that has lasted several centuries. Then again, maybe the laws are changing over time. As a Christian I believe that since God created everything in the universe and set all of the physical laws. He has the right to change those laws if He so desires. Could it be that time is about up for the current set-up? With all of the political, economic, religous, and governmental confusion in this world today in all parts of our world, with love gone cold in favor of greed, who knows what is immediately next?

A mystery glows on Saturn

CD, Lincoln, Nebraska — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:46:25 GMT

In the original book, Arthur C. Clarke had discovery go all the way to Saturn. The movie stopped at Jupiter.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Patrick, Stockton, NJ — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:51:45 GMT

Wow! This is quite interesting indeed. Saturn has always been amazing but now it has a new aspect of wonder and mystery. Would love to know what that Hexagon is all about.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Barry Bailey China Grove, NC — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:52:49 GMT

It's global warming!!

A mystery glows on Saturn

William Cortinas, San Antonio, TX — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 13:58:34 GMT

UFO's, little aliens have a fiesta, fireworks, etc.
Why not? They can party too....it is a wonderful view thou..

A mystery glows on Saturn

Observer, Yucaipa, California — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:04:21 GMT

Could it be a reflection from above?

A mystery glows on Saturn

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:04:33 GMT

Saturn has a message for us....will we listen..the rings have all the answers.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Chuck Sargent Albion, Pa — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:05:18 GMT

This is obviously caused by global warming. The people on Saturn need to start developing alternative fuel sources.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Microstick — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:06:17 GMT

I love it when the scientists say something wasn't "supposed" to be there...jeez, guys, maybe the Universe doesn't behave the way YOU think it's going to. Maybe you don't quite have it all figured out yet...Stick

A mystery glows on Saturn

Tony Johnson — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:08:34 GMT

Very beautiful and amazing... God is awesome !!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Walter L. Wanger — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:15:48 GMT

The hexagonal storm system shows in the photo you provided, and underlays exactly where the bluish aurora lies. Are the two linked?

A mystery glows on Saturn

Science is so cool — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:21:14 GMT

Oh my goodness! this is astounding. Finally the extra terestrials are ready to leave Saturn and come to planet earth. This is the sign. Remember, you can only see their true form with 3-D glasses on.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Jed Ellis, Neodesha, KS — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 14:34:20 GMT

Could the blue be clouds hovering over the red in sinc with the magnetic pull and the color of red be from the illumination of the red? It sure looks neat. Thanks for putting it up on the computer.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Myron — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:08:07 GMT

Arthur C. Clarke did not miss by one planet. Due to technical difficulties of reproducing Saturn's rings for the movie, the script was changed so events happened at Jupiter. The book has things taking place at Saturn.

A mystery glows on Saturn

LMAO, Earth usa — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:09:39 GMT

Saturn is preparing for an invasion! I can't believe it, but I will spread the news, thanks. Dirty Saturnites!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Mr. Facts Right — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:10:46 GMT

Arthur C Clarke did write about Saturn, and got it right. Stanley Kubrick changed it to Jupiter in the movie 2001 becuase he couldn't acurately potray Saturn's rings on the big screen.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Philip, Toronto Ontario — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:19:06 GMT

Clarke wasn't off. Kubrick changed it from Saturn to Jupiter for the film.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Kitty Lady, Salem. OR — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:19:10 GMT

This is simply fascinating. Keep us up to date on the on-going research.

A mystery glows on Saturn

David Fuller - Peotone, IL — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:26:48 GMT

I'm always encouraged that the more we observe, the more we are surprised and amazed by what we find, and that in some cases, like this one with Saturn, something happens that we didn't expect at all.

What a wonderful time this is for astronomy. The Mars missions, the Hubble Space Telescope, the Cassini mission, etc.,... wow...

A mystery glows on Saturn

Hubert Wilson Coppell, Tx — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:33:47 GMT

"Proundly Incredible Lunar Landing"
ilovepoetry.com/viewpoem.asp?id=86700
Peculiar indeed but not as peculiar as this?

A mystery glows on Saturn

MRS JONES,OGDEN,UTAH — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:39:31 GMT

i find this wonderfull and scary ,we live on earth and everyday we distroy it,and maybe whaT we are doing is just what the bible stated that we are causing this EARTH to end, IS IT THE END (OR CLOSE TO THE ) END. THINGS HAPPEN FOR A REASON, THIS EARTH IS BEING TAKEN FR A TEST OF WILL, AND ITS FAILING.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Eric, Salinas, CA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:41:10 GMT

Another great story Alan. When I was young back in the 60's and 70's the other planets and moons of our solar system seemed dull and drab. Now as our space exploration technology has improved we see that we live in an interesting solar system. I am so glad to live in such interesting times. We should be spending more money to get more exploration going on in our solar system neighborhood so that we learn more about these interesting phenomena. Gives us something intersting to ponder.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Dave Gates — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 15:46:02 GMT

There is something incredibly wonderful going on that started on 11-11-08 and culminates 11-13-08, today.
Now I wake up to find this and I was blown away. This only confirms it =)
Higher ones are doing it and of course scientist cant figure it out.
Former beer drinking huntin' fishin' womanizing truck driving sports loving REIKI healer. Open your minds and hearts like I did and you will learn what is really happening there.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Dude, Virginia — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:09:40 GMT

Y'all saw that? I'm going to have to find another place to practice my light show... DANG

A mystery glows on Saturn

Mike, Baltimore — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 16:55:57 GMT

I actually think he had it right! His first book went to Saturn, the movie went to Jupiter.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Chris — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:19:09 GMT

When the wind blows through the buildings in Chicago, the wind is deflected 'all over the place' too. I would suggest that the solar wind is being deflected by the debri in the rings of Saturn.

A mystery glows on Saturn

scurran007 PA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:50:33 GMT

Think of all the knowledge we have gained...Knowledge that Galileo would have killed for...yet we are just scratching the surface!
This proves that we need more robotic missions to the outer planets! I am not saying that manned missions to the Moon are not important...but we cannot lose site of the science gained so cheaply by the robotic missions.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Dick Duncan, Sidney, ME. — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 17:56:35 GMT

The hexagon is used by honey bees to get the most storage volume with the least building material. Could there be a correlation with gaseous materials and electromagnetic fields that make a hexagon the shape of choice for the cyclone?

A mystery glows on Saturn

Ian, Hawaii — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:03:01 GMT

Actually, Clarke had it right. In the book 2001, they do go to Saturn.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Sun King, Jacksonville, FL — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 18:57:26 GMT

Timmy Two Moons,
In the book '2001: Space Odyssey', the planet involved WAS Saturn...the movie producers/scipt writers changed it to Jupiter!

Dr. Clarke was right!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Thomas Ashby, Calgary — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:15:27 GMT

Yes Ian of Hawaii, and in the 1972 Bruce Dern classic, Silent Running. They somehow got the rings into that movie. If I recall, that was the last truly good sci-fi movie out of 2001, Planet of the Apes (1 and 2) and The Andromeda Strain. After that came those cheesy Ape movies and junk.

A mystery glows on Saturn

S.B. Stein E.B. NJ — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 19:15:37 GMT

Could any of this be influenced by material or energy from inside the planet? Are there other sources of material or energy that could be coming from outside Saturn or the Sun that could be making these patterns?

A mystery glows on Saturn

Ross — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:06:03 GMT

I believe hexagons are formed naturally when two soap bubbles join. Is anyone exploring the possibility of it being a remnent of a 'breakaway" 2nd sphere in the past?

A mystery glows on Saturn

Robert Kennerson, Dallas, Texas — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 20:52:53 GMT

I have a question.. Why are so many of are planets breaking out in storms? What would cause this? Would the gravitational pull of a large planet in a long eliptical orbit cause this as it got closer to our solar system? Didn't NASA find this planet in 1987or 1984 with IRIS? What about our solar system begining to go through the dark rift of the Milky Way would that cause it? Or do you smart guys even know? And if you do Know why wont you share that info with the rest of us? 2+2=4. If you put it all together and ask the right questions you will get the answer, even if we wouldn't like it, some one should speak up about the science behind all this stormy weather in or solar system. And Im pretty sure they know! They have all the good toy's I just read science books and articals and figured this out. Stop the lying and tell the truth.

A mystery glows on Saturn

megadodo publications — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:07:42 GMT

How fantastic is it that just when we think our deductions have figured out the workings of the universe, something new comes along to push us further. In time we may have workable theories (and perhaps proofs), that science can be mistaken or slightly wrong is a fantastic part of it.

As to the religious hijack to science forums such as this: Whether or not a particular god or gods have (or had ) an influence on the natural world is of no concern to the questions at hand. I ask that you stop interjecting unrelated shouts which only make you look like a silly attention seekers

A mystery glows on Saturn

SJP, Philly, PA — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 21:23:02 GMT

Saturn's own version of crop circles, perhaps?! (In reference to the hexagonal cyclone)

A mystery glows on Saturn

Davol White Missoula MT — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:21:11 GMT

Physics ARE completely different on Saturn because of the extreem conditions. We are talking about a planet that is so cold that elements that are gasses on Earth like oxygen become liquids, while Earth liquids become solid as rocks. There is also an incomprehensible amount of water on Saturn. More than anywhere else in the Solar System. So the liquids are solids and the gasses are rivers of liquid. That's some strange physics afoot for sure.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Lloyd Rose, San Antonio, TX — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 22:34:54 GMT

I think you should read the statement a little more closely. The scientist said, "Our current ideas on what forms Saturn's aurorae predict that this region should be empty." This doesn't mean that it is required that the region be empty, only that the theory the scientists were working under predicted a certain result. Now that the theory has been proven wrong, it must be revised or replaced with a new theory.

Scientists propose a model of how something works, and when something happens that the model does not predict, the model is changed to try to incorporate the new findings. That's not scientific arrogance, that's just the way scientific discovery works.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Delighted — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:08:45 GMT

You know what is amazing is the primary themes from user comments.

1) Most try taking a stab at explaining the aurora or hexagonal cloud formation in funny pseudo-science.

2) Many are correcting the 2nd post's celestial destination of the space mission in Arthur C. Clarke's "2001 A Space Odyssey" novel. Also funny.

3) A few religious observations and explanations. Me being a creature of science I find this hard to digest but I value any positive outlook an individual has.

4) A few individuals that do not value space exploration, especially when taxpayer money is used. I could research an undoubtedly find innumerable, tangible rewards humanity had gained from the shear fact of trying to leave this planet's surface, but in the end money is the universe to some people.

5) Everything else.

God, I love America, freedom, space, and the Internet. So many people and some many views so easily accessible. That to me is the true value of this article.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Frank, Dallas, TX — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:15:35 GMT

Could something similiar be reproduced with a spinning cylinder that is half-full of water? Would the "air hole" in the middle of the cylinder remain circular, or would the water's surface tension pull together into about 6 groupings, making a hexagonal area in the center? If not with water, perhaps with some other fluid that has the proper surface tension?

A mystery glows on Saturn

Terry Hancock, Denver, Colorado — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:36:27 GMT

I'll lay you odds that none of these scientists are complaining when they say these phenomena aren't supposed to be there. It means that their knowledge of physics may need adjusting, and there is nothing they like better than tinkering with the old theories, to better match empirical data. Good luck, guys! I envy you!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Frank Glover, Rochester, NY — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 23:48:55 GMT

"I think Arthur C Clarke missed by one planet. Something weird is going on at Saturn and I'm hooked. Give us more Alan."

Actually, the novel of '2001: A Space Odyssey' *was* originally set around Saturn. I believe they backed off for the movie because manned flight to Jupiter by 2001 seemed more reasonable (boy, are we not in *either* of those universes! But had we gone to Mars in the early 80's as then expected, that's not much of a stretch.) and with late 1960's special effects technology, director Stanley Kubrick concluded he couldn't do a convincing effect of Saturn's rings... (today, of course, you could do a good Saturn CGI with only a desktop computer)

A mystery glows on Saturn

Alvin, Los Angeles California — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:31:35 GMT

Not supposed to be there??!!! Huh!!!
The economic crisis isnt supposed to happen either. Thanks to the billions of taxpayers money spent for space projects. And all you can say is "it is not supposed to be there".

A mystery glows on Saturn

james Smith — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 00:51:15 GMT

Most of those billions spent for Nasa were spent for research and development of new Materials and things like satellites.Things like solar cells polyurethane insulation supercomputers used to design better windmills ect.The economic returns on the basic research done for the space program not to mention things like satellite weather tracking and gps have saved many lives and generated many billions of dollars in economic benifits.We would have no good way to way to know the extent of deforestation or pollution without the satellites above us.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Bob Byrne Sr, Maine — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 01:45:15 GMT

Does anyone remember that Saturn's north pole is also just as strange, with what looks like an eye looking out into space? This is a fantastic world with lots of questions to be explored one day! Exploring space is what NASA needs to do more of, and with people again! Not spining people around the Earth in a tin can! We should have had moon bases, and people living and working there 24/7 by now! Discoveries are waiting on other worlds and they can't be made in a tin can, we have to go there!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Anthony Lamar, Kissimmee, Fl. — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 03:27:03 GMT

Since all planets started as gases, could it be that the gas giants in our solar system are much younger than our planet Earth, and that after several more millions of years they will condense and eventually end up smaller rocky planets like ours?

A mystery glows on Saturn

G Jodway, Port Richey, Fl — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:21:52 GMT

Well said, Llyod Rose of Texas. To check a hypothesis you must put it to a test, ie...the scientific method.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Jerry Craig, Chicago, IL — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:55:14 GMT

I colored those rings. And they were my crayons and I draw any way I want to! If you don't like it, get on a bus and head to Saturn right now mister

A mystery glows on Saturn

Jerry Craig, Chicago, IL — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 04:57:42 GMT

I think it's good to spend money on this stuff. I would hate to have a bunch of out of work scientists and astronauts. They could cause trouble and we could have Tang riots in the streets of Detroit.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Noor Bayshore Ny — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:28:50 GMT

I just can't fathom how there can possibly be a hexagonal shaped storm. And these random auroas are indeed mysterious. Probably has something to do with the rings. Jupiter dosen't have promient rings like saturn and its also has a round red spot. Hurricanes on our planet are also round. But yeah saturn is the only planet in our solar system that has rings, atleast visible rings, so I guess strange things are bound to happen. Imagine exo solar planets with multiple rings. Now that would indeed be a finding.As a muslium I also belive that god (same one jews and christians worship) created the heavens and the earth, and he governs by giving them fixed laws. Forgot which chapther in the quran, but it states:
"The creation of the heavens and the Earth are greater than the creation of man, yet most men do not understand." I just hope in my life time that we actually discover aliens and mankind becomes part of a respected glactic community. But of course all matters tend to the Lord of the worlds.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Jacob Joseph, Misoula, Montana — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 11:51:09 GMT

I also noticed that the mysterious hexagonal storm underlays the bluish aurora lights. Obviously the two events are a cause and effect.

A mystery glows on Saturn

martin ,leipzig,germany — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:27:14 GMT

nobodys mentioned it yet so i will.the six sided storm is very similar to the strange formation that was observed on google earth(with the weather layer activated) during the months of sept/oct this year though its diameter is much larger.Maybe its the Mother ship and the thing here was one of its siblings. food for thought.time to PHONE HOME.NANNU

A mystery glows on Saturn

haissemeno — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 12:35:05 GMT

Some very interesting concepts--Keep in mind not all questions have an answer- or not all answers have a question!- As humans we are a curious sort - remember curiosity killed the cat

A mystery glows on Saturn

Glen, Orlando, FL — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 14:12:01 GMT

It's math folks. Far beyond most human beings brain power. So leave it too the experts.

The Space Industry has provided the knowledge and innovations only seen in times of war. Just the engineering advances themselves have let us build technologies that make everyone's life better. These advances have paid for themselves ten-fold, at least. NASA's budget is miniscule in the scheme of things.

Never forget that Capitalism depends on growth; If you don't grow you fail. Without innovation from the Space Administrations and related fields, we have only wars to thanks for great technological advances.

We have a choice; War or Space.

I will take Space Exploration any day of the week.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Carlos, Miami, FL — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 17:40:30 GMT

Would these ligths have anything to do with the Photon Belt theory?

A mystery glows on Saturn

G. Karl Marcus, Sheridan, Montana — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:20:53 GMT

It's is about time someone mentioned Wallace Thornhill and David Talbott, and the work they and others have put forth on the nature of the electric universe. To these folks, discoveries of new em properties associated with heavenly bodies are not 'astonishing.'
They've been predicting such discoveries. You can read and see video all about their theories here:

http://www.thunderbolts.info/

A mystery glows on Saturn

Trevor T, Garland, TX — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:35:07 GMT

Man, so many sweet baby jebus peeps on a Science article, weird...

Anywho, fascinating stuff. I wonder if something is going on with each planet in our solar system in some kind of linked change we are unfamiliar with? Polar shifts, global warming, black dude in the white house... something is up.

A mystery glows on Saturn

em hardiman — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 20:50:34 GMT

OMG it's global warming!!!

Man is destroying Saturn, perhaps it's pollution from Cassini's exhaust but the more likely explanation is Mother Saturn is sick of mankind probing her like some sort of UFO abductee!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Julie F. Kadas, Waycross, Georgia — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 21:39:36 GMT

...and Uranus rolls around on its equator, why? Science is self-correcting. Religion is not. Science will reveal (eventually) why Saturn is inherently Saturn and why we don't know it all just yet. I am breathless waiting for this Universe to reveal itself to us.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Lob O. Tomy — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:05:24 GMT

Praise Zeus for his wonderful and magical creations which he just "poofed" out of nothing........ It is obvious that Science is just a fairy tale. Everything is easily explained away by supernatural pixie dust sprinkled into the heavens by the Gods of Olympus and the God of Abraham. Let us bow our heads in reverence to these powerful, omnitient Beings!!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Garrett Davis, St. Louis, MO — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 22:58:37 GMT

This is absolutely awesome. I'm no scientist, but I am a musician and student of sound. My first reaction to this is simply OSCILLATION(google it if you don't know) on a very, very large scale. It seems there are sound waves being generated from within or around Saturn that are overpowering the natural rotation of that particular latitude. Though the Cassini has recorded some killer sounds coming from the rings, they are sporadic and not a constant tone, which is what is needed to maintain a particular wave pattern or shape. Think about that. That is why I like this guys theory below, because it supports mine. :)

"What if Saturn has two cores with opposite charges that repel each other and cause them to orbit in the interior of Saturn around the center? Wouldn't this explain everything?

Tom Ulcak, San Marcos, TX"

A mystery glows on Saturn

Peter Williams — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:46:30 GMT

I find it bizarre that many comments here are trying to link this phenomena to fictional creations, that of 2001 & religion.
This natural process is interesting in itself and requires no imaginary tie-ins to validate it's attraction.
Isn't science great!!!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Howard White — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 07:20:07 GMT

Could it be some extra-dimentional space some how caused by an inner saturn pheneominon?

A mystery glows on Saturn

Bill Nye — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 09:34:06 GMT

Do a search for,

Thunderbolts of the gods.

An entirely radical theory as to what drives the universe has been predicting much of what is being discovered.

Check it out, amazing and provocatives stuff.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Jim Scott, Orion,Illinois — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 15:17:26 GMT

Wondering about the benefits of the space program? A quick Google tells only the tip of the iceberg.
www.thespaceplace.com/nasa/spinoffs

Huge benefits. Unfortunately, many people can't see past the budget.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Tim Rommes, Washington, UT — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 17:04:11 GMT

Mario said (11/13, 0101), “When you "color-code" it you can make it look anyway you want.” That’s not at all true. You can emphasize certain aspects, but they have to be there. "Color coding" only brings out the hidden.

Carl Asminova,
[...] If you’d take the time there are several fantastic entries listing multitudes of benefits we enjoy that came from space research. [...]

Lloyd Rose, San Antonio, TX (11/13, 1734),
Wonderful thought. I think it’s something completely different. Consider this. Scientists were studying cars and had a theory that their movement was produced by an internal combustion engine. Along comes a hurricane and several cars were noted to have moved sideways, which could not be accounted for by the current theory. As it turns out, these things are completely different. There’s nothing wrong with the engine theory just because cars get blown about by wind. For Saturn, scientists have been working with a theory having a magnetosphere generated in the liquid shells of the planet. This works for either type of auroral production. The “current theory” for auroral production has been that the charged particles responsible have been from solar wind, as on earth. In this theory the solar wind broadsides the magnetosphere and provides a normalized, broadly distributed source. Barring plasma effects this would result in a well defined oval ring. The “new” source is believed to be similar to Jupiter’s main source, a moon in the planetary system. The difference is a point source opposed to a plain source, something completely different. On the whole, the disputed areas of auroral activity are quite similar to Jupiter’s. In that, they are not predicted by a theory using the solar wind as the source for causative particles. That is not a problem with the solar wind theory, just as hurricane force winds are not a problem for engine propulsion car theory.
Not so much a reason to revise or replace with a new theory, more a reason to add a separate theory. Your observations are, to my mind, far superior to the standard, at least here, observations as to Clarke’s setting.
Still, the big issue isn’t the aurora, it’s the hexagon.

Jacob Joseph, Misoula, Montana wrote (11/14, 0651), “I also noticed that the mysterious hexagonal storm underlays the bluish aurora lights. Obviously the two events are a cause and effect.” Unless they are effect and effect of a common cause. Many things are obvious, not all are correct. The corpse with a gun in his hand and a hole in his head *obviously* committed suicide. Until CSI shows up.

A mystery glows on Saturn

John,Florida — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:19:10 GMT

Cool! This is so interesting!!!!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Darrel Armstrong, Missoula, MT — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 01:30:10 GMT

Oh, come on "It shouldn't be there." and "spooky" southern hurricane are just bad 'we don't know when to quit' examples of sensationalistic journalism trying to dramatize what has every right to be there because it is what really is. Please just report what's out there and leave the appreciation of natures wonders or nut group religious or occult interpretation to us according to our own taste. "Wierd" is in the eye of the beholder! To me the auric spiral is pure beautty,

A mystery glows on Saturn

Opiewan,Denham Springs,Louisiana — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 15:39:08 GMT

You cant have tunnel vision when trying to figuare these things out about saturn or the changes in our own planet. You may have to look at different fields of scientific studies to find your answers. One person asked if the aruras on saturn could be due to the dark rife we are fixing to go through. Another asked if the poles could be changing on saturn both are valid questions. There are scientist that study the poles here on earth and I have read about a year ago where they had found the poles on earth have changed or fliped about every 25,000 years or so. I have also read where it takes our solar system the same amout of time to travel one hemisphere of the milky way. When we travel through the dark rift our poles will change and since this affect wont be as instant as turning off a light switch.It would only make sense that we will see the affect on the planets with larger magnetic fields first.I also think the changes we see within our own planet are part of the movement of our poles. Scientist who study the magnetic fields on our planet have already noticed more spots of positive polarity in the southern hemishere of earth. Its also well know how much magnetic north has changed in the last 100 years.If you look into studies of climate change in our past tropical rain forest once existed where it is desert now and vise versa. Our future existance as humans require us to look outside of the box we live in and expect change for it is the only constant thing in our lives.Science itself has changed alot over the centuries as mans views on what is reality has changed too. Most of the smartist people in the world were all thought to be crazy because they may not have shared the same views as most during there time. It was because there view of reality was different from those of there time and they saw things in a different light or prespective than most did. We live in a changing world and we need to remember its always changing aqnd so is everything else in space too. Im not saying my views are whats going to happen but I hope it shows how broad you have to look to find a localized answer to something happening like the aruras on saturn.With the intensity of radiation in the dark rift Im sure it will have affects that havent showed up yet and we won't know or understand for years to come. Its hard for anyone with an open mind not to see it will have affects on our future well being. Im sure we will start seeing changes also genetically in not only humans but other species and organisms on earth.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Walter Pagin — Mon, 17 Nov 2008 15:01:43 GMT

Very beautiful and amazing.....praise Zeus for his supernatural majesty!!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Don Knudson — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 02:52:57 GMT

What's really amazing is that sensate beings exist who are curious and clever enough to ask questions and posit answers to understand the amazing "stuff" of what is in this solar system and beyond. That we exist to wonder and think is even more amazing than finding a hexagonal weather pattern.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Marc, Tallahassee, FL — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:25:40 GMT

I think it's funny how some people eschew conceptual notions like enlightenment, progress, or even advancement due to the costs involved, but gladly pay taxes to support wars that are fought over subjective ideas like "democracy". If NASA does nothing more than challenge our ideas about what we think to be true, then mission accomplished. It's throwbacks like these that tried to suppress Galileo and his ilk and keep us in the Dark Ages--that means no antibiotics or medicine to those that think we can live without science...you can't pick and choose what God "wants". Additionally, quit bringing God into these discussions...God operates on Faith, which is evidence of things UNSEEN!!!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Brian, San Diego, C.A. — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 15:35:31 GMT

Hmmmmm, Can you say Planet X!!!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Comme Rat — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 16:28:43 GMT

Re: the "2001" thing . . . that Clarke story was actually based on a paper by Richard Hoagland (enterprisemission (dot)com), and was credited as so in the first edition by Clarke. His original paper was centering on Europa, I belive. He's been right-on (and uncredited) with many, many predictions & observations. Thanks. Now, onward to the Shining Future, comrades!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Alba, MI — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 02:00:12 GMT

I love to think back and see how far we have come. Ever since man first laied eyes on the stars and wondered what was up there. Ever since then we have done our best to figure out and have learned a lot. Keep up the good work guys!

A mystery glows on Saturn

Ed Jonas Red Deer Alberta — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 03:57:17 GMT

nov 21 2008
friday
red deer

Hmmm I wonder if theres a possible corallation to this news and the mystery meterite in Canada yesterday.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Gin Aliso Viejo, CA — Thu, 04 Dec 2008 00:29:11 GMT

Perhaps its a giant snowflake of sorts, large ice crystal structure forming in the upper atmosphere and suspended between layers of the Saturn atmosphere.

A mystery glows on Saturn

stephanie 11 8:15 pm — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 01:15:08 GMT

Saturn is so cool. I love the planet Saturn because it is so pretty and as really cool rings. Thats why i'm doing my project on Saturn.:):D

A mystery glows on Saturn

Jeff, Denver, CO — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 19:29:46 GMT

Very interesting...not something you see everyday perhaps it will end up being something everyday...eventually...as with anything things change, the rules change and often. I expect more to come from the universe.

A mystery glows on Saturn

Peter Ramsey, Vancouver Canada — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:15:27 GMT

No two planets alike. The infinite variety of life on our planet and the beautiful signs of heaven reveal a complex and mindful Creator who employs the forces of electromagnetism, gravity, dark energy, etc.

A mystery glows on Saturn

mike, richmond, tx — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 00:13:04 GMT

I want to know what that hexagon is. That's so unnatural.

A mystery glows on Saturn

rachell brown,mccalla,alabama — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 22:29:40 GMT

ths site is great!