Hexagonal Saturn

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

Just wondering: can the hexagonal storm on Saturn's north pole be seen with an 8" scope; or if not, a 12"?

[ZeroID (Brent)]

Unlikely I would think as it is at the pole of which we only get a shallow angle of view. The Hex was only discovered when a probe orbitted across it I think and took some pix.

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

Thanks Brent! I only asked as I was reading in a magazine that in May '17, Saturn's north pole will be visible to Earth....

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

The Hexagon IS visible, and is increasingly so as the angle of Saturn's tilt to Earth increases. As Brent mentioned though, it will be very foreshortened. BUT, to see it you need all your ducks to line up in a major way: perfect atmospheric conditions, good optics, a keen eye and a big dose of patience. Filters may help too as it is not a stand out feature. I think the technical term for seeing it is "suck your eyeballs out of your head difficult"...

There are many Earth based photos of the Hexagon, including from here in Oz as Saturn is perfectly positioned for us. Photos are also enhanced to bring out the Hexagon:


http://www.popastro.com/planetary/ne....php?id_nw=181

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

Thanks Alex; yeah, thought it would be difficult! I do have the appropriate filters; but yeah, those ducks would have to line up big time...but...they have before...

[mental4astro (Alexander)]

You'll find an even better Earth based photo of the Hexagon in this recent picture by fellow IISer Raymond, aka RAC:

http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...d.php?t=136775

The link Raymond provided to an animation is just amazing. You see the Hexagon moving around too,

[PSALM19.1 (Shaun)]

I don't think there is an animation that sufficiently expresses my awe at such footage! What 18" of aperture can do for ye! I'm humbled....