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Jupiter

What is jupiter?

· Sarah Mitchell

Key facts

Type Gas giant[2]
Position from Sun Fifth planet[3]
Largest planet Largest in the Solar System[1]
Day length About 9.9 hours[1]
Year length About 12 Earth years[1]
Moons 95 officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union[1]

Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest in the Solar System, a gas giant with a mostly hydrogen-and-helium atmosphere. It has the shortest day of any planet, about 9.9 hours, and takes about 12 Earth years to orbit the Sun. Jupiter has 95 officially recognized moons.

Context

Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest in the Solar System, a gas giant with a mostly hydrogen-and-helium atmosphere. It has the shortest day of any planet, about 9.9 hours, and takes about 12 Earth years to orbit the Sun. Jupiter has 95 officially recognized moons. Its faint ring system and ancient age make it a key object of study. The planet is named after the Roman king of the gods, and it shares its name with the city of Jupiter, Florida. [1]

Documented claims

  • Jupiter has a faint four-part ring system. [2]
  • Jupiter is described as the oldest planet in the Solar System. [1]

Questions and answers

How old is Jupiter?

Jupiter is described as the oldest planet in the Solar System, having formed before the other planets. [1]

How many moons does Jupiter have?

Jupiter has 95 moons officially recognized by the International Astronomical Union. [1]

What is Jupiter made of?

Jupiter is a gas giant with an atmosphere mostly of hydrogen and helium. [2]

Sources

  1. View From Mars Hill: 12 facts About Jupiter, the King of ... — lowell.edu (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  2. Planet Jupiter | Natural History Museum — nhm.ac.uk (retrieved August 3, 2026)
  3. 43 facts about Jupiter | BBC Sky at Night Magazine — skyatnightmagazine.com (retrieved August 3, 2026)

Sources last checked August 3, 2026. · More in Places