Saturn's hexagonal clouds mysteriously change colour

Something very strange is happening on Saturn, with scientists stumped as to why the planet’s strange hexagonal storm clouds have changed colour from blue to gold.

NASA’s Cassini spacecraft observed the mysterious hexagon-shaped storm’s mysterious variation.

The storm is four times the size of Earth and sits on top of Saturn’s north pole.

Based on its size and movements, scientists have concluded the hexagon is a cloud pattern with a hurricane spinning at the centre, and that it has been raging for decades - possibly even centuries.

Many experts have been left baffled after comparing photos of the storm from 2012 and 2016, but NASA has put forward one probable reason for the change.

“The colour change is thought to be an effect of Saturn’s seasons. In particular, the change from a bluish colour to a more golden hue may be due to the increased production of photochemical hazes in the atmosphere as the north pole approaches summer solstice in May 2017,” NASA said.

The hexagon spans 32,000 km and extends about 100 km down to the planet's dense atmosphere.

Clear images of the storm were first taken by NASA's Cassini spacecraft, which has been exploring the sixth planet since 2004. 

It will continue to orbit around Saturn and its moons, taking photos, for the next few months.