Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, has long captivated our imagination with its immense size and awe-inspiring features. As one of the gas giants, Jupiter holds many secrets that continue to intrigue astronomers and space enthusiasts alike. While some aspects of Jupiter are well-known, there are other fascinating facts that often go unnoticed. In this article, we delve into some interesting information about my favorite planet.
Jupiter’s Ongoing Storm
The great red spot has been raging for what seems like eternity. First recorded in 1851, the storm is over 10,000 miles wide. What’s even more astonishing is wind speeds in this storm are clocked in at about 250 mph.
Gas Giant
Jupiter is not like Earth. It’s a gas giant planet, which means it doesn’t have an actual surface to land on. The planet is mostly made of hydrogen and helium, as well has having an ocean made of hydrogen.
Days on Jupiter
Days on the planet are much shorter than on Earth. A one-day cycle on the planet is equiv.alent to 10 hours on Earth.
Jupiter Moons
There are between 80 and 95 moons around the planet, which include Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. These were first discovered in 1610, by Galileo Galilei.
Image Source: NASA/JPL-Caltech/SwRI/MSSS/Kevin M. Gill