Jupiter Once Twice Its Current Size, Could Have Contained 2,000 Earths

Rapid Summary

• A new study published in Nature Astronomy reveals that Jupiter was once twice its current size and had a magnetic field 50 times stronger.
• The research examined the subtle orbital tilts of Jupiter’s moons Amalthea and Thebe to estimate the planet’s primordial size and magnetic strength.
• Early in its history, around 3.8 million years after the solar system formed, young Jupiter could have held over 2,000 Earths by volume (compared to today’s capacity of 1,321 Earths).
• Findings suggest that Jupiter’s formation significantly influenced the layout of the solar system, marking a pivotal moment before planetary formation ceased due to evaporating gas left from solar system creation.
• Professor Konstantin Batygin from Caltech emphasized this discovery as essential for reconstructing how Jupiter and the broader solar system evolved over time.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The findings about jupiter’s early colossal size offer meaningful insights into planetary evolution within our solar system-a process critical for understanding our cosmic origins.For India’s scientific community engaged in space exploration initiatives like ISRO’s interplanetary missions, such studies provide valuable foundational knowledge about celestial dynamics beyond earth-centered perspectives. This research highlights how major planets might influence not only their local environments but possibly entire systems during formative periods.

Moreover, India’s growing interest in astronomy-from projects like Aditya-L1 focusing on our sun to eventual planetary explorations-can gain inspiration from such breakthroughs advanced through international collaboration and high-level modeling techniques. Expanding global partnerships with institutes conducting these transformative studies would further deepen India’s role within high-impact astrophysical inquiries.

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