“This opportunity to use Webb was the first time we have ever been able to make such detailed near-infrared observations of Saturn’s aurora and upper atmosphere. Around 500 km lower, in Saturn’s stratosphere, the team discovered an asymmetric star-shaped feature. “Saturn’s upper atmosphere has proven incredibly difficult to study with missions and telescope facilities to date due to the extremely weak emissions from this region,” Professor Stallard said. “We think that the dark beads may result from complex interactions between Saturn’s magnetosphere and its rotating atmosphere, potentially providing new insights into the energy exchange that drives Saturn’s aurora,” Professor Stallard said. JWST/NIRSpec Detection of Complex Structures in Saturn’s Sub-Auroral Ionosphere and Stratosphere.