This
polar map of
Jupiter, taken by the
Cassini orbiter as it
neared Jupiter during a flyby on its way to
Saturn, is the most detailed global color map of the planet ever produced. The south pole is in the center of the map and the
equator is at the edge. The map shows a variety of colorful cloud features, including parallel reddish-brown and white bands, the
Great Red Spot, multi-lobed chaotic regions, white ovals, and many small vortexes. Many clouds appear in streaks and waves due to continual stretching and folding by Jupiter's winds and turbulence.
Photo credit: Cassini orbiter