Astronomy Practice Exam 2026 – Complete Preparation Guide

Jupiter is recognized as the largest planet in our solar system due to its immense size and mass. It is a gas giant with a diameter of about 86,881 miles (139,822 kilometers), which is more than 11 times that of Earth. In terms of volume, Jupiter can contain over 1,300 Earths. Its mass is about 318 times that of Earth, making it not only the biggest but also the most massive planet in our solar system.

Being primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, Jupiter does not have a solid surface like terrestrial planets such as Earth, Saturn, or Uranus, which can lead to common misconceptions about size comparisons. Its distinctive banded appearance and the Great Red Spot, a gigantic storm larger than Earth, further illustrate its scale and dynamic atmosphere. Jupiter's strong gravitational influence also plays a significant role in shaping the orbits of many other objects in the solar system, including its own moons and the asteroid belt.