Photochemical hazes, or aerosols, are created from reactions between sunlight and the atmosphere. Saturn experienced equinox in August 2009, and since then has been subjected to continuous sunshine. During this time, photochemical aerosols have accumulated in the sky above Saturn's north pole, creating the golden haze observed today.
However, other factors, including changes in solar heating and wind patterns, could cause a shift in the planet's atmospheric circulation, officials said in the statement. These factors may also play a role in the observed color changes, the officials said.
The Cassini-Huygens spacecraft has been orbiting Saturn since 2004, and the mission is expected to come to a close in September 2017. Researchers will continue to study data collected from Cassini to get a better understanding of this curious color change.
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Top Photo: Shown is Saturn's north polar region hexagon in November 2012.
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