NASA's Cassini spacecraft took its final close look at Saturn's north polar region in July 2017, revealing a dramatic change in the planet's seasons. The images show that Saturn's north polar vortex, a massive, warm, swirling storm that has been present for at least 20 years, has finally dissipated. This change is likely due to the changing tilt of Saturn's axis, which is causing the sun to shine more directly on the planet's southern hemisphere.

The Cassini images also show that Saturn's north pole is now covered in a thin layer of ice. This ice is thought to be the result of the polar vortex breaking up and allowing cold air to flow in from the planet's mid-latitudes.

The Cassini spacecraft is scheduled to end its mission on September 15, 2017, when it will plunge into Saturn's atmosphere. These final images of Saturn's north polar region provide scientists with a valuable glimpse into the changing climate of the planet.

Image Credits

* NASA/JPL-Caltech/Space Science Institute