Astronomy Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide

Question: 1 / 460

How long does it take for Jupiter to complete one orbit around the sun?

5 Earth years

10 Earth years

12 Earth years

Jupiter takes approximately 12 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun. This period is known as a "Jovian year." The length of a planet's orbit is primarily determined by its distance from the Sun, as described by Kepler's Third Law of Planetary Motion. Jupiter is significantly farther from the Sun than Earth, which results in a longer orbital path and a slower orbital speed compared to the inner planets.

To put this into context, the vast distance from the Sun means that Jupiter must travel a much larger circumference in its orbit compared to Earth. Because of this distance and relative speed, a full revolution around the Sun takes nearly 12 times longer than it does for Earth. Thus, when considering the choices given, the correct duration reflects the unique orbital dynamics of gas giants like Jupiter as they interact gravitationally within the Solar System.

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15 Earth years

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