MIT researchers discovered that the dramatically different polar vortex patterns on Jupiter and Saturn may be explained by differences in their interior composition. Through 2D fluid dynamics simulations, they found that vortex formation depends on the "softness" of the vortex base: softer, lighter materials allow multiple smaller vortices (like Jupiter's eight surrounding vortices), while harder, denser materials enable a single massive vortex (like Saturn's hexagonal polar cyclone). This connection between surface weather patterns and interior properties suggests Saturn may have a denser, more metal-enriched interior compared to Jupiter.
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