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