The two telescopes reveal different layers of Saturn’s atmosphere in new observations
NASA, along with ESA and CSA, has released new images of Saturn captured using both the James Webb and Hubble space telescopes. The combined observations offer a deeper look into the planet’s atmosphere, showing details that were not visible with a single telescope.
The images were taken months apart in 2024 as part of ongoing studies of outer planets. Hubble captured visible light, showing Saturn’s cloud bands and color variations, while Webb used infrared sensors to reveal deeper layers of the atmosphere, including clouds, chemicals and heat patterns.
The difference is clear in the images.
Hubble highlights the structure of Saturn’s clouds and storms, while Webb shows brighter rings made of ice and subtle changes near the poles. Scientists say some of these patterns could be linked to atmospheric particles or interactions with the planet’s magnetic field.
These combined observations help researchers understand how Saturn’s atmosphere changes over time.
NASA says the data will become even more useful as the planet moves toward its next seasonal shift, giving scientists better views of different regions in the coming years.
(Image credit: NASA)
