SpaceNews: China quietly used NASA’s Jupiter probe to test its deep space network
China quietly used NASA’s Jupiter probe to test its deep space network
Jupiter, the most massive planet of the solar system and the fifth in distance from the Sun. It is one of the brightest objects in the night sky; only the Moon, Venus, and sometimes Mars are more brilliant. Jupiter is designated by the symbol ♃.
Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and is the fifth planet out from the Sun. It is two and a half times more massive than all the other planets in the solar system combined. It is made primarily of gases and is therefore known as a “ gas giant ”. Jupiter is the fourth brightest object in the solar system.
When Is the Best Time to See Jupiter? After the Sun, the Moon, and Venus, Jupiter is the fourth brightest object in the sky—although, occasionally, Mars can outshine it. When Jupiter is at opposition, it lies directly opposite the Sun in our sky and is visible all night.
Jupiter is the largest and oldest planet in our solar system. If Jupiter was a hollow shell, 1,000 Earths could fit inside. But the "King of Planets" is no lumbering giant — Jupiter has the shortest day in the solar system, taking about 9.9 hours to spin around once on its axis.
Jupiter has been quite a mystery for astronomers over the years. Despite being the largest planet within our solar system, we know very little about the inner workings of this gas giant. Now, though, ...