The Solar System hosts a monster planet, formed by swallowing many smaller planets. It is one of the brightest objects you can see in the night sky.
A recent study published in the journal Astronomy and Astrophysics reveals that in its youthful phase, Jupiter devoured a significant number of smaller planets to achieve its current massive size and mass.
This planet, which has a mass 318 times that of Earth, is composed almost entirely of hydrogen and helium, with a ratio that closely aligns with theoretical values found in the primordial solar nebula.
“Monster planet” so large that its famous Great Red Spot could easily swallow Earth – (Photo: JUNO/NASA)
However, it also contains heavier metallic elements, indicating that it must have swallowed a considerable amount of rock during its primordial period.
According to Science Alert, the research team led by astrophysics professor Yamila Miguel from the Leiden Observatory and the Netherlands Institute for Space Research relied on data collected by NASA’s Juno spacecraft, proposing two scenarios for Jupiter’s formation.
The first scenario suggests that Jupiter simply swallowed a vast number of small asteroids. However, the analysis results indicated an inconsistency: this method would not be sufficient for Jupiter to possess the abundant metallic elements it currently has.
The second scenario is quite alarming: our tiny Earth is fortunate to be situated close to a “monster planet.” Many smaller planets, possibly like Earth or Mars, were the sources of metals for this super planet.
In other words, young Jupiter, with its ferocious gravitational pull, attracted and consumed numerous planets from the primordial Solar System.
The uneven distribution of heavy elements in Jupiter’s atmosphere further supports this theory. The planets it swallowed had developed quite complex structures, thus providing the gas giant with a remarkably diverse composition.
As a result, Jupiter achieved such an enormous size that even from a great distance, you can clearly see this planet in the night sky. It appears as a large star emitting a pale yellowish-white light, only slightly less bright than Venus.
