Solar System

Jupiter

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Where is Jupiter?

Jupiter is the fifth planet from the sun.

It takes almost 45 minutes for light to travel from the sun to Jupiter. It takes only 8 minutes for sunlight to reach Earth.

Why is it called Jupiter?

Jupiter is the biggest planet in the solar system. It is named after the king of all the Roman gods.

How big is Jupiter compared to Earth?

Jupiter is 11 times wider than Earth. 

What does Jupiter look like?

Jupiter has swirling clouds of white, brown, red, and yellow gas. It almost looks like it has stripes.

The temperature in Jupiter’s clouds is about –234 degrees Fahrenheit (–148 degrees Celsius). Its core is believed to be even hotter than the sun, however!

What is it like on the surface of Jupiter?

Jupiter is a gas giant. It has an atmosphere of hydrogen and helium surrounding the planet. You would not be able to breathe on Jupiter!

You probably wouldn’t be able to stand on Jupiter, either. Scientists believe Jupiter does not have a solid surface like Earth does. If you went to Jupiter, you would sink through its clouds. As you get closer to Jupiter’s core, the clouds get denser, or more pressed together.

Fun Facts about Jupiter

Jupiter has more than 90 moons. Its biggest moons are Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. Ganymede is the biggest moon in the solar system. It is even bigger than the planet Mercury.

There is a storm on the surface of Jupiter called the Great Red Spot. The Great Red Spot is bigger than the planet Earth! The storm has existed for more than 400 years.
Article Citation in MLA (Modern Language Association) Ninth Edition format:

"Jupiter." Report Builder, Gareth Stevens Publishing, garethreportbuilder.com/article/230/jupiter. Accessed 19 Apr 2024.