Jupiter's colossal past: Signs of a once bigger gas giant
It is the largest object in the Solar System, but recent studies suggest it was once 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 on its axis. Recent studies indicate that the planet's formation process was unique, with analyses suggesting that it might have once been twice as large as it is currently.
The mysterious past of Jupiter
According to research conducted 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 period, its magnetic field was significantly stronger, supporting the theory of planetary formation from the bottom up.
Rocky planets like Earth form by the gradual accumulation of dust and rocks. However, Jupiter is a gas giant, which is significantly different from the Blue Planet. The genesis may be similar, but after reaching a mass ten times greater than Earth's, planets of this type begin 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 stabilisation of planets, which may have enabled the emergence of life on Earth. The research by Batygin and Adams provides new tools for understanding this role.
According to Science Alert, scientists analysed the orbital movements of Jupiter's two small moons, Amalthea and Thebe. Their orbits are inclined relative to Jupiter's equator, allowing 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 reveal that Jupiter experienced a period of intense growth, affecting its current shape. Although the planet continues to contract, this process is very slow. This research provides an important reference point for further analyses of the Solar System's evolution.
