Jupiter, the fifth planet from the sun, is a mesmerizing sight, resembling a watercolor masterpiece.

It's vibrant cloud bands swirl around a thick atmosphere, creating a world so vast that over 1,300 Earths could fit inside.

From the safety of Earth, Jupiter appears calm, but in reality, it is a tempestuous world. The planet's swirling storms, including the Great Red Spot, are driven by fierce winds that can reach speeds of up to 335 miles per hour at the equator—faster than any winds found on Earth.

Is Jupiter gas, liquid, or solid?

Jupiter is primarily a massive ball of gas, with its clouds made up of ammonia and water vapor drifting in an atmosphere composed of hydrogen and helium. The unique chemistry of these clouds is likely responsible for the planet's striking colors, though the exact cause of its painted appearance remains a mystery.

Beneath the gaseous layers, pressure and temperature rise dramatically, causing hydrogen atoms to compress into a liquid state. As pressure increases even further, hydrogen loses its electrons, creating a metallic-like, electrically conductive substance. Due to it's rapid rotation, a day on Jupiter lasts less than 10 Earth hours. This fast spin likely generates electrical currents that fuel the planet’s immense magnetic field, which is 16 to 54 times more powerful than Earth’s.

A Multitude of Moons

Jupiter, the second brightest planet in the night sky after Venus, has captivated astronomers for centuries. In January 1610, Galileo Galilei first observed what he thought were four small stars near Jupiter. These were actually Jupiter’s four largest moons, now known as the Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

Each of these moons is as fascinating as the giant planet itself. Ganymede, the largest moon in the solar system, is also the only moon known to possess its own magnetic field. Io, with it's active volcanoes, holds the title of the most volcanically active body in the solar system. Meanwhile, Europa is thought to have a vast ocean beneath its icy surface, making it one of the top contenders in the search for extraterrestrial life.

Missions to Jupiter

Since Galileo first observed Jupiter through a telescope, scientists have been studying the gas giant from both the ground and space. In 1979, NASA's Voyager 1 and 2 spacecraft made their flybys of Jupiter, capturing tens of thousands of images. Among the surprising discoveries from these missions was the revelation that Jupiter has thin, dusty rings.

When NASA’s Juno spacecraft began orbiting Jupiter in 2016, it sent back breathtaking images that showcased the planet's wild and dynamic nature. These images provided some of the first detailed views of Jupiter's poles, revealing swirling cyclones on its surface, with roots that likely extend deep into the planet's atmosphere.

Despite extensive study, many mysteries remain. One ongoing question is what powers the Great Red Spot and what its future holds. Another mystery is the composition of Jupiter’s core. Data from Juno suggests the core is unexpectedly large, made of partially dissolved solid material. This region is incredibly hot, with temperatures possibly reaching up to 90,032°F—hot enough to melt titanium.