Characteristics of Jupiter

• Size: Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system, with a diameter of about 86,881 miles (139,822 kilometers).
• Mass: It has a mass of 1.898 × 10^27 kg, which is approximately 318 times the mass of Earth.
• Atmosphere: The planet's thick atmosphere is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with traces of other compounds such as ammonia, methane, and water vapor.
• Great Red Spot: Jupiter is known for its iconic feature, the Great Red Spot, a massive storm that has been raging for at least 400 years.
• Magnetosphere: It possesses a strong magnetic field that is about 14 times stronger than Earth's magnetic field.

Structure of Jupiter

Jupiter, like other gas giants, lacks a solid surface and is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. It is believed to have a core made of rock and metal, surrounded by a deep layer of metallic hydrogen, and an outer layer of molecular hydrogen. The planet's atmosphere consists of colorful bands and zones, with powerful storms and cyclones occurring within it.

Key Information about Jupiter

• Orbit and Rotation: Jupiter orbits the Sun at an average distance of 484 million miles (778 million kilometers) and completes one orbit in about 12 Earth years. It rotates on its axis very rapidly, with a day lasting only about 9.9 hours.
• Moons: Jupiter has at least 79 known moons, including the four largest ones - Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto, known as the Galilean moons.
• Exploration: The planet has been visited by several spacecraft, including the Juno mission, which has provided valuable data about Jupiter's atmosphere, magnetic field, and interior structure.
• Impact on the Solar System: Jupiter's massive size and strong gravitational influence play a crucial role in shaping the architecture of the solar system, particularly in its role in protecting the inner planets from potential asteroid impacts.

Study Guide for Jupiter

When studying Jupiter, it's important to focus on its characteristics, structure, and its role in the solar system. Here are some key points to include in your study guide:

1. The size and mass of Jupiter compared to other planets
2. The composition of Jupiter's atmosphere and the presence of the Great Red Spot
3. The structure of Jupiter, including its core and atmospheric layers
4. Jupiter's orbit, rotation, and its numerous moons
5. The impact of Jupiter on the solar system and its role in protecting the inner planets
6. Key space missions and explorations that have provided insights into Jupiter's properties