Deep rotating convection generates the polar hexagon on Saturn

Abstract: Numerous land and space-based observations have established that Saturn has a persistent hexagonal flow pattern near its north pole. While observations abound, the physics behind its formation is still uncertain. Although several phenomenological models have been able to reproduce this feature, a self-consistent model for how such a large-scale polygonal jet forms in the highly turbulent atmosphere of Saturn is lacking. Here we present a 3D fully-nonlinear anelastic simulation of deep thermal convection in the outer layers of gas giant planets which spontaneously generates giant polar cyclones, fierce alternating zonal flows, and a high latitude eastward jet with a polygonal pattern. The analysis of the simulation suggests that self-organized turbulence in the form of giant vortices pinches the eastward jet, forming polygonal shapes. We argue that a similar mechanism is responsible for exciting Saturn's hexagonal flow pattern.