Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, is colossal compared to Earth. Its immense size makes it a fascinating object of study. Below are some key comparisons to help understand just how much larger Jupiter is than Earth:
Jupiter’s Size Compared to Earth
- Diameter:
- Jupiter: Approximately 139,820 kilometers (86,881 miles).
- Earth: About 12,742 kilometers (7,918 miles).
- Comparison: Jupiter’s diameter is roughly 11 times larger than Earth’s.
- Volume:
- Jupiter: Jupiter’s volume is so vast that it could hold about 1,321 Earths inside it.
- Earth: In contrast, Earth’s volume is significantly smaller, making Jupiter a true giant.
- Mass:
- Jupiter: It has a mass of about 1.898 × 10²⁷ kilograms, which is approximately 318 times the mass of Earth.
- Earth: Our planet’s mass is 5.972 × 10²⁴ kilograms.
- Surface Area:
- Jupiter: Its surface area is about 61.42 billion square kilometers.
- Earth: Earth’s surface area is 510 million square kilometers.
- Comparison: Jupiter’s surface area is about 121 times larger than Earth’s.
Interesting Facts About Jupiter’s Size
- Gravitational Pull: Due to its immense mass, Jupiter has a gravitational pull 2.4 times stronger than Earth’s.
- Role in the Solar System: Jupiter’s size and mass make it a “guardian planet,” as its gravity helps deflect asteroids and comets that might otherwise pose a threat to Earth.
- No Solid Surface: Unlike Earth, Jupiter is a gas giant composed mostly of hydrogen and helium, so its “surface” is not solid but rather a layer of dense gases.
Jupiter dwarfs Earth in every measurable way. Its diameter is 11 times larger, its mass is 318 times greater, and it could fit over 1,300 Earths within its vast volume. This massive size underscores Jupiter’s unique role in the solar system and its stark contrast to the terrestrial planets like Earth.