This is an image of Saturn in false color. Click on image for full size version (61K JPG) Image from: NASA

The striped cloud bands on Saturn, like Jupiter, are divided into belts and zones.

In a belt, the wind flows very strongly in one direction only. In a zone, the wind flows very strongly in exactly the opposite direction. These kinds of winds are called "zonal winds".

Measurements show that the winds of Saturn, within a belt or a zone can reach 500 m/sec (1100 miles/hour), but are usually 100 m/sec (225 miles/hour). These wind speeds provide for a pretty rough environment.

This is an image of Saturn in false color. Click on image for full size version (61K JPG) Image from: NASA

The striped cloud bands on Saturn, like Jupiter, are divided into belts and zones.

In a belt, the wind flows very strongly in one direction only. In a zone, the wind flows very strongly in exactly the opposite direction. These kinds of winds are called "zonal winds".

Measurements show that the winds of Saturn, within a belt or a zone can reach 500 m/sec (1100 miles/hour), but are usually 100 m/sec (225 miles/hour). On Earth, the most powerful winds during a hurricane can blow 100 miles per hour. So these winds of Saturn provide for a pretty rough environment.

The colors of Saturn in this image show the striped pattern of clouds. Click on image for full size version (61K JPG) Image from: NASA

The clouds on Saturn, like Jupiter, are divided into stripes called "belts and zones".

In a belt, very powerful winds blow one way. In a zone, very powerful winds blow the other way. These kinds of winds are called "zonal winds".

The winds of Saturn can blow 225 miles per hour, and sometimes even 1000 miles per hour!

On Earth, the most powerful winds during a hurricane can blow 100 miles per hour. So being on Saturn would be like being in a hurricane!