Space exploration missions have revealed that polar vortices aren’t uncommon beyond Earth. They’ve been observed throughout ...

The vortex is always present, but it strengthens in the winter due to a redistribution of heat from the tropics. During the winter, the winds that make up the polar vortex blow from west to east.

A rare and abrupt disruption in the Arctic polar vortex is expected to impact spring temperatures across Europe and parts of the United States. Scientists are monitoring the event closely, as the ...

A sudden stratospheric warming event reversed the winds that make up the northern polar vortex on March 9. A new animation shows the vortex also moved away from the Arctic towards Europe.