What is Jupiter and how does it compare to other planets in the Solar System?
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest planet in our cosmic neighborhood. It possesses a mass nearly 2.5 times that of all other planets combined.
Common questions about Jupiter
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When was the Great Red Spot first observed and how has its size changed over time?
The Great Red Spot was first observed in 1831 and possibly as early as 1665. It has shrunk significantly since the late 1800s when it measured approximately 40,000 kilometers across to about 16,000 kilometers in length by 2021.
How does Jupiter affect the orbits of comets and asteroids in the Solar System?
Jupiter experiences about 200 times more asteroid and comet impacts than Earth and acts as a shield for the inner planets. Computer simulations from 2008 suggest that Jupiter does not cause a net decrease in the number of comets that pass through the inner Solar System.
When did the European Space Agency launch the Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer mission?
The European Space Agency launched the Jupiter Icy Moon Explorer mission on the 14th of April 2023. This mission aims to study Jupiter's larger icy moons which may have subsurface liquid oceans.
What is the purpose of the Europa Clipper mission and when did it launch?
The Europa Clipper mission launched on the 14th of October 2024 to conduct detailed reconnaissance of Europa. It searches for signs of habitability within the moon's subsurface ocean.