Cloud forms on Saturn

Abstract

The imaging photopolarimeter on Pioneer Saturn provided spin-scan images of Saturn's cloudtops. Only subtle departures from a uniform brightness distribution were apparent, except in the polar regions. At other latitudes the images show only a few features; they primarily support the conclusion that the visible atmosphere is a deep haze. Belts and zones are seen, and some detail in a zone near + or - 60 deg latitude. The North Equatorial Belt consists of two dark belts separated by a brighter zone exhibiting longitudinal structure.