Jupiter Facts For Kids
![](https://dev.theedadvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/AdobeStock_76501495.jpeg)
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the sun and it’s also the largest planet in our solar system. It’s named after the Roman god, Jupiter, who was the king of the gods. Here are some facts that kids will find interesting about Jupiter.
1. Size
Jupiter is enormous. In fact, it’s so large that all the other planets in the solar system could fit inside it. Jupiter’s diameter is 86,881 miles (139,822 kilometers) which is roughly 11 times the diameter of Earth.
2. Composition
Jupiter is made up mostly of gas and does not have a solid surface. It’s composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, the same elements that make up most of the sun.
3. Moons
Jupiter has 80 known moons. The four largest moons are called Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto. These moons are known as the Galilean moons because they were discovered by Galileo Galilei in 1610.
4. Temperatures
Jupiter is very cold, with temperatures ranging from -280 degrees Fahrenheit (-173 degrees Celsius) to -166 degrees Fahrenheit (-110 degrees Celsius).
5. Great Red Spot
The Great Red Spot is a giant storm on Jupiter that has been raging for hundreds of years. It’s so big that it could easily hold two or three Earth-sized planets. The storm is actually shrinking, but scientists aren’t sure why.
6. Rotation
Jupiter is the fastest-spinning planet in our solar system. It rotates on its axis once every 9 hours and 56 minutes.
7. Rings
Jupiter has four sets of rings that are composed of dust particles. The rings are not as bright or as well-known as Saturn’s rings, but they are still fascinating to scientists.
8. Magnetic Field
Jupiter has the strongest magnetic field of any planet in the solar system. It’s so strong that it can affect the magnetic fields of other planets in the solar system.
In conclusion, Jupiter is an incredible planet that fascinates scientists and stargazers alike. Its size, composition, moons, temperature, Great Red Spot, rotation, rings, and magnetic field make it truly unique. Kids will love learning about this magnificent planet and all of its wonders.