Astronomical overview
Jupiter’s atmosphere is dominated by hydrogen and helium. The Great Red Spot is a long-lived anticyclonic storm larger than Earth.
♃ · Ephemerides
Observation date
Jupiter
The largest planet in the Solar System, a gas giant with a powerful magnetic field and an extensive moon system.
- AU
- 5.282
- ECL
- 125.4°
- MAG
- -1.79
Astronomical data
Parameters and context
- Heliocentric distance
- 5.282 AU
- Ecliptic longitude
- 125.37°
- Ecliptic latitude
- 0.54°
- Apparent magnitude
- -1.79 mag
- Right ascension
- 8 h 24 min
- Declination
- 19.81°
- Altitude above horizon
- 56.2°
- Azimuth
- 158.4°
Astrological meaning
In astrology, Jupiter is associated with expansion, growth, education and long-term perspective.
Mythology
The name comes from Jupiter, the chief god in Roman mythology.
Key facts
- Its strong magnetic field creates extensive radiation belts.
- Its atmosphere shows well-defined cloud bands and zones.
- The four largest moons are Io, Europa, Ganymede and Callisto.
- Ganymede is the largest moon in the Solar System.
- Jupiter has a faint ring system made mostly of dust.
Parameters and context
- Sidereal day
- 9 h 56 min
- Solar day
- 9 h 56 min
- Year length
- 4,333 days (~11.86 Earth years)
- Rotation speed
- 45,000.0 km/h • 36.24°/h
- Orbital speed
- 13.10 km/s
- Distance from Sun
- 778.60 million km
- Diameter
- 139,820 km
- Gravity
- 24.8 m/s²
- Mean temperature
- -110 °C