Jupiter is the biggest planet of the solar system, with around 70 moons. It is fifth from the sun with an orbital period of 12 years. Four of the main moons of Jupiter are Ganymede, Io, Europa, Callisto. The mass and dimensional values contribute to its massiveness. It is a mass giant with no confirmed solid surface but has an inner core of about the size of the Earth. In modern times even the kids can see explore this massive planet through telescopes for kids. The modern-day Astro studies have provided beneficial information regarding these heavenly bodies. Here are 15 interesting facts about Jupiter that would blow your mind.

1. The massiveness of Jupiter:

There is no doubt that Jupiter is the giant planet of the solar system with an extensive satellite system. The calculated index shows that Jupiter is by far 318 times massive than our planet Earth, but this doesn’t do justice with the elaboration for its size. If we compare the size chart, we can quickly sort out that Jupiter is approximately 2.5 times massive than other planets of the solar system combined. The fantastic thing about Jupiter science is that if the Jupiter by any chance grows more extensive, than it would become denser hence pulling the mass towards itself. A study related to Jupiter states that Jupiter can grow up to 4 times its size.

Massiveness of Jupiter

2. Can Jupiter become a star?

Astronomers in the past have suggested that Jupiter is a failed star, but according to the modern invention and scientific theory, it is not valid. Stars draw energy by fusing hydrogen atoms in the presence of extreme heat and pressure in the presence of helium, releasing temperature and high intensity of light. Jupiter almost comes near to being a star. The only reason stopping is not having enough mass to trigger a nuclear fusion reaction in its core. This whole reaction is possible if the Jupiter gains about 70 times its current weight; this is so due to the gravity of the body. Meanwhile, there is no hope for Jupiter to become a star.

3. Fastest spinning planet in the solar system:

Compared to other planets in the solar system, Jupiter moves quickly with a velocity of about 12.6 km/s. Like planet Earth took 24 hours to rotate on its axis, Jupiter takes a mere 10 hours to complete its rotation. Due to its fast spinning speed, there is a flat area around the poles and bulge around the equator. The significant difference between the poles and the equator varies by 4600 km concerning the center of the planet. The diameter of the Jupiter towards the equator stands around 71492 km, while the polar radius is 66854 km. The strong magnetic field and dangerous radiations around it are also a result of the rapid spinning of the planet.

4. The Massive thickness of the cloud:

The average thickness of those whirling and seasonal clouds we use to see around the Jupiter are just 50 km thick. These clouds are the combination of broken ammonia crystals, which are distributed in different cloud decks. The dark material is said to be from the interior part of the planet and they change their color simultaneously when comes in contact with the sunlight. Beneath this layer of dual-component clouds, stands a long way down a layer of hydrogen and helium.

5. The great red spot:

There are many speculations in the market about the great red spot. It has always been a matter of rigorous research. It is a permanent anticyclonic storm that is located towards the south of the equator, ranges between 14000 km in height to 24000 km diameter. This red spot is approximately 2 to 3 times larger than the Earth. Its root dated back to the 17th century and estimated that it was there for at least 350 years back. It was first identified by Giovanni Cassini, an Italian scientist in 1665. Jupiter’s fast-spinning, turbulent atmosphere form this massive cloud.

The Great Red Spot

6. Rings of the Jupiter:

The next facts in 15 interesting facts about Jupiter are the rings. The Rings are related to Saturn, but Jupiter too has rings in its outer atmosphere. Beyond Saturn, there are ring systems in Uranus and Jupiter also. When Saturn, its rungs, and Uranus are very faint, we can discover Jupiter’s ring system. There are three segments of Jupiter’s ring, and they are outer, inner, and the main ring. The inner torus is known as Halo, and the central ring is very bright. The outer ring is the gossamer ring. These formations are formed due to the collision of Jupiter’s moon with the meteorites. This phenomenon is the scientific theory of ring formation.

7. The magnetic field of the Jupiter:

The magnetic field of Jupiter is 14 times stronger than the magnetic field of the Earth. This magnetic compass would deviate with a larger angle on the Jupiter as the planets have the most energetic magnetic field in the solar system. Theories given by many astronomers suggest that the magnetic field generated is due to the eddy currents, which are developed by the rapid movement of the conducting materials. This process takes place within the liquid hydrogen core.

8. Jupiter has 67 moons:

Jupiter has 67 named moons and satellites. Beyond these 67 moons, around 200 satellites are revolving around the planet. Out of these majorities of the satellite are 10 km in diameter. These bodies are discovered after 1975 when spacecraft, Pioneer 10, investigated the earth. There are four major moons of the Jupiter named the Galilean moons. The Galilean satellites are in order, which is called Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Among these, Ganymede is the largest moon in the solar system with a diameter expanding 5262 km.

Galilean Moons of Jupiter

9. Spacecraft that visited Jupiter:

Jupiter is famous for its climate and size. The studies show that there is a better opportunity for Jupiter to learn about the various aspects of the universe. Due to these qualities and researchers, Jupiter has been visited seven times by the spacecraft. Pioneer 10 spacecraft visited Jupiter for the first time in December 1973. By the end of 1974, Pioneer 11 visited the planet back. Ulysses was sent in February 1992 after a long gap after these discoveries. The latest mission was NASA’s New Horizons spacecraft, which arrived in 2007.

10. Jupiter can be seen through the naked eye:

It is undoubtedly the third brightest star in the sky at night. The first one is the moon and then Venus. The majority feedback is that you saw Jupiter, and you don’t even know what it is. Using even modest binoculars can get you a good view. Galileo also invented the same just by gazing at the planet back in 1610.

11. The first sight of the Jupiter:

The first recorded sighting of the planet Jupiter is believed to be recognized by the Babylonians in the 7th century BC. Therefore Jupiter is named after the Roman god and sky king. The greek meaning of the Zeus is Jupiter.

12. The shortest day of Jupiter:

Hope, you are enjoying the list of 15 interesting facts about Jupiter is that the period of the day on Jupiter is shortest as compared to any other planet of the solar system. The reason behind this shortness of day is the quick rotation of the Jupiter. It takes hardly 9 hours and 55 minutes to complete one spin on its axis.

13. One orbit takes 11 years:

The orbital journey of the Jupiter takes almost 11.86 years equivalent to Earth. It takes at least one month to move from one constellation to another for the planet Jupiter. Jupiter, as viewed from Earth, looks moving very slowly. The orbit variation of Jupiter is very high as it follows the slow rate of revolution.

14. The atmosphere of the Jupiter:

It is challenging to describe the dimension of the atmosphere of Jupiter as it is mainly comprised of gaseous elements. The atmosphere of the Jupiter, as seen from earth through the best portable telescope, is divided into light and dark horizontal bands. It mainly consists of the gaseous zone, the outside to the wet area in the inner side. The great red spot is also a part of this highly intense climatic condition.

15. The interior of the Jupiter:

The inner region of Jupiter consists of three main parts. The first part of the region is a rocky area. This rocky core is composed of 12 to 45 times that of the mass of the Earth. This core is surrounded by the conductive layer comprising of liquid hydrogen.

Bonus point

AURORA: like that of Earth, Jupiter seems to be having its aurora. In recent times, Hubble telescope has discovered an electrifying blue aurora on the north pole of the Jupiter. Earth has a green aurora on the north pole. So these were the 15 Interesting facts about Jupiter.