kThe Jovian Systemk
Technical Data
Jupiter:
Jupiter is the fifth planet from
the sun, the largest non-stellar object in the solar system,
larger than all the other planets combined. Jupiter has rings
less than a mile thick, discovered in 1979 by Voyager. The Great
Red Spot is a gigantic storm which has been going on for some 300
years. It is 26,000km x 14,000km. Jupiter's mass is 317.8 times
that of the Earth(xE), it's surface gravity is 2.65xE. Jupiter's
density is only 0.24xE, but it's escape velocity is 5.45xE. It is
thought that life as it is known on Earth is not possible in
Jupiter. As far as we know, the planet is fluid, comprising of
mainly hydrogen and helium. It is thought to have a liquid or
semi-solid surface, allowing remarkable currents and cloud
patterns. The atmosphere consists of mainly ammonia, methane,
ethane, ethylene, sulfur, and water vapor.Jupiter's day lasts 9
hours, 55.5 minutes. The rapid rotation causes electrical
currents which contribute to the largest magnetic field of any
planet, extending beyond the orbit of Saturn.
Source: Paraphrased: 1988 Encylopedia Britannica
Jupiter's Moons:
Jupiter has at least 16 moons.
They are:
(in order of distance from Jupiter)
Metis
Adrastea
Amalthea
Thebe
Io
Europa
Ganymede
Callisto
Leda
Himalia
Lysithea
Elara
Ananke
Carme
Pasiphae
Sinope
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