Latest news with #Galilean
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Jupiter is our solar system's biggest planet by far. It used to be twice as large: Study
Jupiter is already the biggest planet by far in our solar system, but new research suggests it was somehow once even larger than it is now. Twice as large, in fact. To put that into context, those dimensions would make the gas giant big enough to fit 2,000 Earths inside of it – if it were hollow. The shocking findings were part of a recent study in which astronomers effectively peered back in time to discover what Jupiter was like in its early years. The astronomers behind the study – Konstantin Batygin, a professor of planetary science at the California Institute of Technology, and Fred C. Adams, a professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Michigan – didn't necessarily set out to make such an extraordinary discovery. Rather, the researchers were set on better understanding Jupiter's early evolution and how our solar system developed its distinct structure. "Our ultimate goal is to understand where we come from, and pinning down the early phases of planet formation is essential to solving the puzzle," Batygin said in a press release announcing the findings. "This brings us closer to understanding how not only Jupiter but the entire solar system took shape." Jupiter news: Jupiter's auroras put Earth's to shame. NASA's Webb just got a stunning look at them Jupiter is not only the largest in the solar system, but is so humongous that it's more than twice as massive as the other planets combined. The gas giant is about 11 times wider than Earth alone, with a diameter around its equator of 88,846 miles. And it's size is far from the only extreme feature that defines the fifth planet from the sun. The world is home to gigantic storms bigger than Australia, 100-mph winds pummeling its northern reaches and a rocky moon named Io orbiting it that is notoriously riddled with lava-spewing volcanoes. According to the researchers, Jupiter's gravity, often called the "architect" of our solar system, played a critical role in shaping the orbits of other planets and sculpting the disk of gas and dust from which they formed. The gas giant's influential place in shaping our solar system and is what intrigued Batygin and Adams to take a closer look at Jupiter's primordial state. According to their calculations, about 3.8 millions years after the first solid materials in our solar system formed, Jupiter was twice as large as it is now. Jupiter's magnetic field was also much more powerful at that time, about 50 times stronger than it is today. While Io is among the most well-known of Jupiter's 95 moons, the duo instead studied two tiny moons Amalthea and Thebe to reach their conclusions. The celestial objects are so small, they're not even among Jupiter's four famous Galilean moons, which does include Io. But Amalthea and Thebe orbit the planet even closer than Io and have slightly tilted orbits that allowed the astronomers to analyze "small orbital discrepancies" to calculate Jupiter's original size. "It's astonishing that even after 4.5 billion years, enough clues remain to let us reconstruct Jupiter's physical state at the dawn of its existence," Adams said in a statement. Astronomers estimate that Jupiter is steadily shrinking to this day by up to two centimeters a year. This is because of a process by which the planet grows smaller as it gradually cools and its internal temperature drops, causing the planet to lose energy and consistently contract. Batygin and Adam say their analysis provides a snapshot of Jupiter at a critical cosmic moment when the building materials for planet formation in our solar system disappeared, locking in its core architecture. Their results also add context to planetary formation models developed over decades suggesting that Jupiter and other similar gas planets formed through a process called core accretion in which a rocky and icy core rapidly gathers gas. "What we've established here is a valuable benchmark," Batygin said in a statement. "A point from which we can more confidently reconstruct the evolution of our solar system." The findings were published Tuesday, May 20 in the journal Nature Astronomy. Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@ This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: How big is Jupiter? Study suggests gas giant was once twice as large
NDTV
22-05-2025
- Science
- NDTV
Jupiter Was Once Twice Its Size - And Its Magnetic Field Could Fry Spacecraft
The information of Jupiter's early evolution sheds light on the solar system's formation and structure. As the solar system's gravitational 'architect', Jupiter's influence was instrumental in shaping the orbits of other planets and defining the gas and dust disc from which they emerged. In a new study published in the journal Nature Astronomy, Konstantin Batygin (PhD '12), professor of planetary science at Caltech; and Fred C. Adams, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Michigan; provide a detailed look into Jupiter's primordial state. Their calculations reveal that roughly 3.8 million years after the solar system's first solids formed-a key moment when the disk of material around the Sun, known as the protoplanetary nebula, was dissipating-Jupiter was significantly larger and had an even more powerful magnetic field. "Our ultimate goal is to understand where we come from, and pinning down the early phases of planet formation is essential to solving the puzzle," Batygin says."This brings us closer to understanding how not only Jupiter but the entire solar system took shape." Batygin and Adams approached this question by studying Jupiter's tiny moons Amalthea and Thebe, which orbit even closer to Jupiter than Io, the smallest and nearest of the planet's four large Galilean moons. Because Amalthea and Thebe have slightly tilted orbits, Batygin and Adams analyzed these small orbital discrepancies to calculate Jupiter's original size: approximately twice its current radius, with a predicted volume that is the equivalent of over 2,000 Earths. The researchers also determined that Jupiter's magnetic field at that time was approximately 50 times stronger than it is today. Adams highlights the remarkable imprint the past has left on today's solar system: "It's astonishing that even after 4.5 billion years, enough clues remain to let us reconstruct Jupiter's physical state at the dawn of its existence."
India Today
22-05-2025
- Science
- India Today
Architect of Solar System: New study reveals how Jupiter constructed our world
Jupiter is considered the largest planet in our Solar System, so big that it can fit 1,300 Earths inside. But that's now, there was a time when Jupiter was twice as big as it is gravity of the planet is so strong that astronomers consider it as one of the most influential factors in the evolution and creation of our Solar call it the architect as it played a critical role in shaping the orbital paths of other planets and sculpting the disk of gas and dust from which they formed. A new study now provides first look at Jupiter as it was in the beginning, roughly 3.8 million years after the solar system's first solids formed. Jupiter was significantly larger and had an even more powerful magnetic field. Jupiter's magnetic field at that time was approximately 50 times stronger. (Photo: Nasa) "Our ultimate goal is to understand where we come from, and pinning down the early phases of planet formation is essential to solving the puzzle. This brings us closer to understanding how not only Jupiter but the entire solar system took shape," Konstantin Batygin, professor of planetary science at Caltech new study, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, focussed on Jupiter's tiny moons Amalthea and Thebe, which orbit even closer to Jupiter than Io, the smallest and nearest of the planet's four large Galilean team said that because Amalthea and Thebe have slightly tilted orbits, analysed these small orbital discrepancies to calculate Jupiter's original size. It was approximately twice its current radius, with a predicted volume that is the equivalent of over 2,000 that's not all, the researchers also determined that Jupiter's magnetic field at that time was approximately 50 times stronger than it is today. "It's astonishing that even after 4.5 billion years, enough clues remain to let us reconstruct Jupiter's physical state at the dawn of its existence," Fred C. Adams, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Michigan team focused on the orbital dynamics of Jupiter's moons and the conservation of the planet's angular momentum—quantities that are directly measurable. Their analysis establishes a clear snapshot of Jupiter at the moment the surrounding solar nebula results add crucial details to existing planet formation theories, which suggest that Jupiter and other giant planets around other stars formed via core accretion, a process by which a rocky and icy core rapidly gathers Watch
![Jupiter's Primordial Past Reveals Interesting Facts About its Mass, Strong Magnetic Field; Was it Twice the Size and 50x the Power? [Find Out]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fdata.ibtimes.sg%2Fen%2Ffull%2F31941%2Fjupiter-asteroids.png&w=3840&q=100)
![Jupiter's Primordial Past Reveals Interesting Facts About its Mass, Strong Magnetic Field; Was it Twice the Size and 50x the Power? [Find Out]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fall-logos-bucket.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fibtimes.sg.png&w=48&q=75){kind=small}
International Business Times
21-05-2025
- Science
- International Business Times
Jupiter's Primordial Past Reveals Interesting Facts About its Mass, Strong Magnetic Field; Was it Twice the Size and 50x the Power? [Find Out]
A new study, published in the journal Nature Astronomy, revealed a very interesting discovery about the planet Jupiter. According to our current models, the Gas Giant has always played a vital role in the evolution of the Solar System. While the scientists were trying to understand how the early Solar System evolved, they conducted a detailed study of Jupiter's primordial state as it will be a steppingstone in the process. Konstantin Batygin, professor of planetary science at Caltech; and Fred C. Adams, professor of physics and astronomy at the University of Michigan; provided a detailed look into Jupiter's primordial state and their calculations revealed that Jupiter was significantly larger and had an even more powerful magnetic field, roughly 3.8 million years after the solar system's first solids formed was dissipating. Original Size Was Around Twice Its Current Radius Batygin said, "Our ultimate goal is to understand where we come from, and pinning down the early phases of planet formation is essential to solving the puzzle," adding, "This brings us closer to understanding how not only Jupiter, but the entire solar system took shape." In order to answer this question, Batygin and Adams looked at Jupiter's small moons, Amalthea and Thebe, which orbit even closer to the planet than Io, the smallest and closest of the four big Galilean moons. According to Batygin and Adams, Jupiter's original size was around twice its current radius, with a predicted volume equal to more than 2,000 Earths. This was determined by analyzing the modest orbital tilts of Amalthea and Thebe. Additionally, the scientists discovered that Jupiter's magnetic field was almost 50 times stronger back then than it is now. Highlighting the remarkable imprint the past has left on today's solar system, Adams said, "It's astonishing that even after 4.5 billion years, enough clues remain to let us reconstruct Jupiter's physical state at the dawn of its existence." Crucially, these discoveries were made possible by independent constraints that circumvent the conventional uncertainties in planetary formation models, which frequently depend on hypotheses on the bulk of the heavy element core, accretion rate, or gas opacity. Evolution Of Other Stars Rather, the team concentrated on directly quantifiable quantities, such as the conservation of the planet's angular momentum and the orbital dynamics of Jupiter's moons. Their research provided a vivid image of Jupiter at the critical juncture when the solar nebula surrounding it evaporated, marking the end of the building blocks needed to make planets and the locking in of the solar system's primordial design. The findings provided an important new information to the current theories of planet formation, which postulate that core accretion—the rapid accumulation of gas by a rocky and icy core—is how Jupiter and other massive planets surrounding other stars evolved. Numerous scholars, notably Dave Stevenson of Caltech, the Marvin L. Goldberger Professor of Planetary Science, Emeritus, worked for decades to build these fundamental models. By offering more precise measurements of Jupiter's size, spin rate, and magnetic conditions at an early, crucial moment, this new study expands on that basis. Although there is still mystery around Jupiter's early history, Batygin noted that the present discovery greatly improves our understanding of the planet's crucial evolutionary phases. He said, "What we've established here is a valuable benchmark," adding, "A point from which we can more confidently reconstruct the evolution of our solar system."
Daily Mirror
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Mickey Callisto vows to 'bring the full Freddie experience' to BGT semi-final
EXCLUSIVE: The intergalactic-inspired singer is set to return to the Britain's Got Talent stage for the ITV show's third live semi-final this evening Mickey Callisto is set to dazzle once again as he returns to the Britain's Got Talent stage tonight for the third live semi-final - and he's promising nothing short of a 'passion-packed, flamboyant' performance that'll light up Saturday night TV. The intergalactic-inspired singer, whose Freddie Mercury tribute wowed judges and viewers earlier in the series, is aiming to book his place in the grand final and edge closer to the life-changing £250,000 prize and a coveted spot at the Royal Variety Performance. 'Like always I am very excited just to be able to perform again for the nation!' Mickey tells us exclusively. 'The stage is where I am happiest and to entertain people is the only thing I was born to do.' With eight acts competing tonight - including Electric Umbrella, Bao, Jasmine Rice and gymnast Albert Amores - the stakes couldn't be higher. Only two acts will make it through to the final, either via the public vote or a Golden Buzzer from the judges. Mickey, who says his performance will be full of 'passion, flare, flamboyance but most of all fun,' is fully aware of the expectations, especially performing in front of Bruno Tonioli - who once counted Queen frontman Freddie Mercury as a friend. 'To perform for Bruno who actually knew Freddie is a great thing in itself. There is always pressure but I would like to think I was doing the Queen fans proud too and of course my fans,' he says. He adds, 'I hope Freddie would have loved it. He taught me to sing with passion and make people feel involved in the performance. I think he would have liked Simon for his honesty and also sense of humour.' His show-stopping audition not only earned him a standing ovation but also helped bring Queen back into the UK charts - something Mickey describes as 'like scoring a goal for your favourite football team.' 'Not many things make me shed a tear but I certainly did seeing that,' he said. 'To think I have contributed to their already phenomenal legacy… It was a very proud moment.' Off-stage, Mickey is a self-described space fanatic and football lover who writes and produces all of his own music. His alter ego was born out of a fascination with astronomy. 'Callisto is one of the 4 Galilean moons of Jupiter,' he explains. 'My star sign is Sagittarius which rules Jupiter in astrology - hence Mickey Callisto.' Fans can expect another glam look this evening - and yes, he's ready to compete with Amanda Holden in the style stakes. 'Of course it will be a glam outfit,' he laughs. 'You'll definitely have the passion of Freddie but you will be getting the full Mickey experience.' The Britain's Got Talent semi-finals continue tonight on ITV1, with guest appearances from musical Just For One Day and last year's winner Sydnie Christmas — who Mickey says is 'a great personality as well as being an amazing singer.' Could Mickey be next in line for the BGT crown? He's dreaming big: 'One is perform at Wembley Stadium and also the Stadium of Light… Whether I sing Queen or my own songs, I receive the same response.'
