Jupiter's colossal past reshapes our understanding of planet formation
It is the largest object in the Solar System, but recent studies indicate it was once even twice as large as it is today. Astronomers' calculations may offer new insights into the fascinating process of planet formation.
Jupiter is the largest planet in our Solar System and also the fastest to rotate around its axis. Recent studies reveal that its formation process was unique, suggesting that in the past it might have been even twice its current size.
The mysterious past of Jupiter
According to research by astronomers Konstantin Batygin from Caltech and Fred Adams from the University of Michigan, just 3.8 million years after the formation of the first solids in the Solar System, Jupiter had a volume 2 to 2.5 times larger than it is now. During this time, its magnetic field was significantly stronger, supporting the theory of planetary formation from the ground up.
Rocky planets, like Earth, form through the gradual accumulation of dust and rocks. However, Jupiter is a gas giant, which is quite different from the Blue Planet. Although the genesis might be similar, once a planet reaches a mass 10 times greater than Earth's, it begins to attract a gaseous envelope. This process occurred in the early stages of the Solar System's formation.
The role of Jupiter in the Solar System
Jupiter played a crucial role in shaping the architecture of the Solar System. Its formation and evolution influenced the stabilization of the planets, which may have allowed life to emerge on Earth. The research by Batygin and Adams offers new tools to understand this role.
According to Science Alert, scientists analyzed the orbital movements of Jupiter's two small moons, Amalthea and Thebe. Their orbits are inclined relative to Jupiter's equator, which allowed for the reconstruction of the planet's evolutionary history. The results indicate Jupiter's rapid growth in the early history of the Solar System.
Jupiter was never massive enough to become a star
These discoveries show that Jupiter underwent a period of intense growth, which affected its current shape. Although the planet continues to contract, this process is very slow. This research provides an important reference point for future analyses of the Solar System's evolution.
