JUPITER

The King of Planets

Overview

Jupiter stands as the undisputed giant of our solar system, a magnificent gas giant that has captivated astronomers and space enthusiasts for centuries. Named after the king of the Roman gods, Jupiter truly lives up to its regal designation as the largest planet in our cosmic neighborhood.

This colossal world is a testament to the incredible diversity and scale of planetary formation. With a mass greater than all other planets in our solar system combined, Jupiter plays a crucial role as a gravitational shepherd, protecting the inner planets from potential asteroid and comet impacts while maintaining the delicate balance of our solar system's architecture.

From its iconic Great Red Spot—a storm larger than Earth that has raged for centuries—to its complex system of rings and numerous moons, Jupiter represents a miniature solar system unto itself. The planet's rapid rotation creates distinctive cloud bands that stretch across its atmosphere, painting beautiful streaks of orange, brown, and white across its face.

Mass

1.898 × 10²⁷ kg

More than twice the mass of all other planets combined

Diameter

142,984 km

Could fit 1,321 Earths inside

Distance from Sun

778.5 million km

Average distance varies in its elliptical orbit

Day Length

9.9 Earth hours

Fastest rotating planet in our solar system

Year Length

11.8 Earth years

One orbit around the Sun

Moons

95 confirmed

Known moons as of 2023

Explore the wonders of our solar system's greatest giant

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