September 8, 2026

Two views of Saturn obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope. On the right, a view of the planet's south pole, with the decagon that is the subject of this study

An article published in the journal “Science Advances” reports the discovery of a decagon-shaped structure at the planet Saturn’s south pole. A team of researchers led by Professor Agustín Sánchez-Lavega of the University of the Basque Country combined observations conducted with the Hubble Space Telescope between 2023 and 2025. They observed an evolution of this structure, which was initially only vaguely defined and then took on more defined contours. This decagon has similarities to the hexagon at Saturn’s north pole but also exhibits some differences. The researchers believe it could be generated by a new atmospheric phenomenon.