Jupiter

Composition
Jupiter is classified as a gas giant along with Saturn, Uranus and Neptune. This planet is primarily composed of hydrogen with a quarter of its mass being helium; it may also have a rocky core of heavier elements. Because of its rapid rotation, Jupiter’s shape is that of an oblate spheroid. The outer atmosphere is visibly segregated into several bands at different latitudes, resulting in turbulence and storms along their interacting boundaries. A prominent result is the Great Red Spot, a giant storm that is known to have existed since at least the 17th century when it was first seen by telescope. Surrounding the planet is a faint planetary ring system.

Size
Diameter: 88,736 miles

Rotation
Period of Time: 9.8 hours

Distance from Sun
Minimum: 460 million miles
Maximum: 508 million miles

Bonus Video

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