Cassini captures stunning hexagonal clouds over Saturn's north pole

This photo was taken by the Cassini spacecraft, which orbited Saturn, in 2014 in various infrared colors. Saturn's cloud bands display a remarkable structure, including long, extending storms. A unique hexagonal cloud pattern surrounding Saturn's north pole is also prominent. Each side of the dark hexagon stretches across the width of Earth. The background of how this hexagonal cloud was formed and its stability remain subjects of research. Saturn's famous rings cast shadows below the equator as they orbit the planet.