Archive · 24 May 2025
Jupiter's Past: Study Reveals Dramatic Size and Magnetic Field
Imagine Jupiter as a giant kid who used to be much bigger and stronger.
Scientists discovered that long ago, Jupiter was almost twice its current size and had a super-powerful magnetic field, about 50 times stronger than it is now.
This strong magnetism created dangerous radiation, like a space oven, that could have fried spacecraft.
Studying this helps scientists understand how planets grow and change, and how they affect everything else in the solar system.
It also helps space explorers plan safer trips to Jupiter and other planets.
Jupiter was almost twice its current size in the past.
It possessed a magnetic field approximately 50 times stronger than today.
The study used Jupiter's inner moons to estimate its early size and magnetism.
Intense magnetism would have created radiation belts capable of damaging spacecraft.
The findings add to understanding of early solar system development.
- Who
- Astronomers Konstantin Batygin and Fred C. Adams.
- What
- Jupiter was once twice its present size and had a magnetic field 50 times stronger.
- When
- Approximately 3.8 million years after the solar system's first solid particles condensed.
- Where
- The study focuses on Jupiter and its surrounding environment in our solar system.
- Why
- To understand the evolution of Jupiter and its impact on the solar system, and to inform future space missions.
- Jupiter's current diameter
- 142,984 kilometers
- Early magnetic field strength compared to present
- 50 times stronger
- Estimated early magnetic field strength
- 21 millitesla
- Inner moons used in the study
- Amalthea and Thebe
- Institutions of the study authors
- Caltech and University of Michigan