How large is Jupiter?
In one word, very. Not only is Jupiter the largest planet, larger than all the other planets in our solar system combined. This massive size has helped it earned the the nickname “King of Planets.” With a radius of nearly 70,000 kilometers, the mass of the planet is over two and a half times larger than of all the other planets in our solar system together. Jupiter was discovered in either the 7th or 8th century by Babylonians, though more facts regarding the planet would not be learned until much later.
Despite its size, the planet has the shortest day among any planets in our solar system, lasting just 9 hours and 55 minutes. However, its year is much longer than ours, as it takes Jupiter 11.8 years to completely rotate around the sun.
An interesting fact that you might not know about Jupiter is that it also has three rings. However, unlike Saturn, which is famous for its rings, Jupiter’s rings aren’t exactly easily visible, which is why they have not become as enduring a legend as those belonging to Saturn,
The reason we can’t live on Jupiter is due to the fact that its atmosphere is massive, and is composed mainly of hydrogen, hence lacking the essential elements we need to breathe. Meanwhile, the core of Jupiter is composed of metal, ice, and rocks. Good thing it doesn’t have oil or the US would have already invaded it.
Copyright: tussik13 / 123RF Stock Photo
