New near-infrared images of Saturn from NASA’s Cassini spacecraft show the northern polar region including the hexagon and polar vortex.

The north polar region of Saturn displays its beautiful bands and swirls, which somewhat resemble the brushwork in a watercolor painting.

Each latitudinal band represents air flowing at different speeds, and clouds at different heights, compared to neighboring bands.

Where they meet and flow past each other, the bands’ interactions produce many eddies and swirls.

The northern polar region is dominated by the famous hexagon shape which itself circumscribes the northern polar vortex — seen as a dark spot at the gas giant’s pole — which is understood to be the eye of a hurricane-like storm.

Planetary scientists think the hexagon might act as a barrier that prevents haze particles produced outside it from entering.

During the polar winter night between November 1995 and August 2009, Saturn’s north polar atmosphere became clear of aerosols produced by photochemical reactions — reactions involving sunlight and the atmosphere.

Since Saturn experienced equinox in August 2009, the polar atmosphere has been basking in continuous sunshine, and aerosols are being produced inside of the hexagon, around the north pole, making the polar atmosphere appear hazy today.

Other effects, including changes in atmospheric circulation, could also be playing a role.

Researchers think seasonally shifting patterns of solar heating probably influence the winds in the polar regions.