PREVIOUSLY ASKED IN:
PSC Miscellaneous Prelims 2018
Answer
Jupiter
Explanation
Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system. It is a gas giant with a mass more than two and a half times that of all the other planets in the solar system combined. It is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium. Jupiter is well known for its 'Great Red Spot', a giant storm that has been raging for hundreds of years and is larger than Earth itself.
Key Points
- > Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system.
- > Its largest moon, Ganymede, is the biggest moon in the solar system (even larger than Mercury).
- > Jupiter is classified as a Gas Giant.
- > Saturn is the second-largest planet, famous for its prominent ring system.
- > Mars is known as the 'Red Planet' due to iron oxide on its surface.
- > Mercury is the smallest planet in our solar system.
- > Venus is the hottest planet in the solar system.
Additional Information
Solar System Superlatives
| Superlative | Planet Name | Fact/Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Largest | Jupiter | Mass is 2.5 times all other planets combined |
| Smallest | Mercury | Closest to the Sun |
| Hottest/Brightest | Venus | Runaway greenhouse effect due to CO2 |
| Red Planet | Mars | Iron oxide rust on surface |
| Coldest | Uranus | Atmospheric temp reaches -224°C |
Memory Tips
- King of Planets: In Roman mythology, Jupiter was the king of the gods. Appropriately, it is the 'king' (largest) of the planets in size.