Venus's double vortex evolving

Just after it began orbiting the planet in April 2006, Venus Express spotted something resembling a double-eyed hurricane in the clouds over the planet's south pole. The mysterious double vortex in the clouds above Venus's south pole is thought to be a product of the super-strong winds that tear westward around the planet. But scientists do not understand why the winds produce a double vortex rather than a single one. The newly released images show the double vortex over the south pole is even more complex than first thought. Its structure varies with height, with the double vortex more prominent and intricate at lower altitudes.

Submitted by Shaun A. Saunders