Our Planets Found: Jupiter

When found:
Known since ancient times.

By who:
Ancient Babylonian astronomers.

Description:
Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest in the solar system, a gas giant with a massive atmosphere, strong magnetic field, and at least 95 moons.

Distance from Earth:
Closest distance: approximately 366 million miles.

Length of Year & Day:
Year: 4,331 Earth days (about 12 years).
Day: 9.9 hours.

Interesting fact:
Jupiter's Great Red Spot is a massive storm that has been raging for at least 400 years and is large enough to swallow Earth.

Like its Finder:
Like the ancient Babylonians who revered it as the king of the gods (Marduk), Jupiter rules the solar system as the largest planet, with a regal entourage of moons.