4 facts kids should learn about Jupiter
Teaching your kids about space can be beneficial and fun, here are 4 facts kids should learn about Jupiter.
#1 – The Planet Jupiter Is A Gas Giant
Our solar system is home to 8 planets, 4 of those planets are described as terrestrial planets. This means they are made up of rocky material. The other 4 planets are mostly made up of gases like helium and hydrogen. Jupiter is the largest of these planets. It measures so big that over 1300 Earth’s could fit inside it. Large planets like Jupiter have huge gravitational influence, it is believed that Jupiter plays a major role in keeping order in our solar system.
Fun Fact- Some scientists believe that Jupiter may be a failed star. It was possibly destined to be like our Sun but it didn’t have the mass necessary for that to happen happen.
#2 – Jupiter’s Lengthy Orbit
All the planets in our solar system orbit our Sun. The length of time a planet takes to complete one full orbit depends on its position in relation to the sun. Earth is the 3rd planet from our sun, one full orbit takes 365 days. We call this one year.
Jupiter is the 5th planet from the sun, amazingly it takes almost 12 earth years to complete one full orbit.
Fun Fact- Just like Earth, Jupiter also rotates. One full rotation is also known as a full day. Jupiter’s rotation takes just under 10 hours, this is more than twice as fast as Earth (24 hours).
#3 – The Great Red Spot
Jupiter is a beautiful planet; some incredible images have been captured displaying its fascinating detailed patterns along with its colours. One very recognizable area on Jupiter is its great red spot.
This giant spot is actually a massive storm that has been going on for almost 400 years. Covering an area over twice the size of earth and experiencing wind speeds unlike anything we experience here on our planet. It is the largest known storm in our solar system.
Fun Fact – The strongest known storm recorded on Earth was ‘Typhoon Tip’, it occurred in 1979. Its diameter measured over 1300 miles. With gusts of over 300 kph.
#4 – The Many Moons Of Jupiter
Jupiter’s massive gravitational pull has resulted in numerous large objects finding themselves orbiting the gas giant. Around 95 Moons have been so far identified in Jupiter’s orbit, these vary in many different sizes. There are 4 main moon’s which were discovered first by Galileo in the early 17th Century.
Ganymede – Jupiter’s largest moon. Its surface is covered in ice, scientists believe there is a saltwater ocean below this icy surface.
Callisto – The 2nd largest moon orbiting Jupiter. Similar in size to the planet Mercury, it is the 3rd largest moon in our solar system.
Io (i-o) – This is Jupiter’s 3rd largest moon. A volatile world made up of active volcanos, it has an ever-changing surface as a result of volcanic eruptions which spew lava miles high.
Europa – The 4th largest moon orbiting Jupiter. Made up of silicate rock, similar to Ganymede, it is believed to have an ocean that is covered in ice.
Fun Fact – Scientists believe Europa may contain certain elements which are crucial to life.
