Hexed

The Cassini probe has photographed a bizzare hexagonal cloud formation circling the North pole of Saturn. The feature was first noticed 20 years ago by previous probes. Apparently, hexagons have staying power.

Visit the Nasa Cassini page for more details:

Clouded Leopard, Hidden Dragon?

Well, no dragon, but the leopard may have been hidden. A new species of leopard has been discovered living in Borneo and Sumatra. This kitty is as genetically different from other leopards as the lion is from the tiger.

The clouded leapard is not really new. Researchers have known about it for many years. They did not think that it was a unique species, however, until the DNA comparison was made with other cats. So the real mystery is why it took so long to figure out.

From AP:

The Borneo clouded leopard is darker than the mainland species and has many distinct spots within its small cloud markings. It also has a grayer fur, and a double dorsal stripe.
Clouded leopards from the mainland have fewer and fainter markings within large clouds on their skin. They are also lighter in color.
"It's incredible that no one has ever noticed these differences." said Andrew Kitchener from the Department of Natural Sciences, National Museums, Scotland.

I'm ready for my close-up, Mr. Demille . . .

Here is a recent, true color view of Saturn from high above the plane of the rings.

See more at the Cassini-Huygens mission home page.