Jupiter (Planet)
Contents
Jupiter as seen from Voyager 2
Credit: NASA
Overview
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It can be easily seen with the unaided eye looking like a very bright star. Through binoculars the four Galilean moons can been seen and Jupiter's disc can be resolved. A modest telescope will reveal banding on Jupiter's disc and you may even see the Great Red Spot if you observe Jupiter for long enough as the largest planet only takes about nine hours to complete one rotation, or one Jovian day if you like, quick enough to see the whole of Jupiter in one night!
Notable Features
Galilean Moons
Great Red Spot
Vital Statistics
Mean distance from The Sun 5.196 a.u.
Sidereal Period 11.75 years
Rotation Period 9.75 hours
Mass 317.8 Earth
Diameter 142748 km
Astronomical Symbol
The Astronomical symbol for the planet Jupiter is represented by the symbol '♃'
