What is the largest planet in our solar system?

Prepare for the Science Olympiad Reach for the Stars Test. Focus on flashcards and multiple choice questions, each offering hints and explanations. Master your astronomy knowledge!

Jupiter is the largest planet in our solar system and has a diameter of about 86,881 miles (139,822 kilometers). It is classified as a gas giant, primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, which contributes to its massive size and gravitational influence. Jupiter's immense mass is more than twice that of all the other planets in the solar system combined, and it has a strong magnetic field and numerous moons, including the four largest known as the Galilean moons: Io, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

Understanding that it is the largest planet helps in grasping the scale of our solar system, as well as the dynamics of planetary formation and development in relation to other celestial bodies. The other planets mentioned have much smaller volumes and masses than Jupiter, which emphasizes just how dominant this giant planet is in terms of size.

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