South Polar Map of Saturn captured HST by A.Checco
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The attached image is a polar map of Saturn's South pole generated with the software Winjupos using four near-IR images captured by HST
on August 29, 2025 (12:32UT, 14:08UT, 17:15UT, 20:24UT) using WFPC3 with narrowband filter F763M.
The map clearly shows that the southern polar band has a decagonal shape.
This finding confirms recent observations made by amateur astronomers Jean-Paul Oger and Christophe Pellier using a 16" telescope.
The edge of the southern polar cap itself appears to have a slightly decagonal shape as well.
If confirmed, this finding indicates that polygonal jetstream patterns are present at both poles.
Image credit: Amy Simon HST proposal 17294
Image processing: Antonio Checco (unsharp mask, stitching with Photoshop, polar map rendering with Winjupos)
[Antonio Checco : Brooklyn,NY USA]
ALPO-Japan Latest Saturn Section
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