Composition Jupiter is unlike the rocky terrestrial (inner) of planets such as Mercury, Venus, Earth, and Mars. ... It may have a core composed of rock-forming minerals like those trapped in comet ices, but the core makes up less than five percent of the planet's mass (Jupiter"). ... Jupiter's outer layer, composed of a gaseous mixture of hydrogen, helium, and traces of other compounds, is about 600 miles thick. ... This is close to the composition of the primordial Solar Nebula from which the entire solar system was formed. ... The core region is surrounded by dense metallic hydrog...

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• Approx Pages: 5
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• Grade Level: High School

Composition and Structure Astronomers were able to accurately determine Jupiter's mass even before 1900. ... Jupiter may have a core composed of rock-forming minerals like those trapped in comet ices, but the core makes up less than five percent of the planet's mass. ... Jupiter's outer layer, composed of a gaseous mixture of hydrogen, helium, and traces of hydrogen-rich compounds such as ammonia, methane, and water vapor, is about 600 miles thick. ... The red color of the spot appears to be caused by impurities such as sulfur or phosphorous compounds that absorb ultraviolet...

• Word Count: 1158
• Approx Pages: 5
• Has Bibliography