Jupiter is the fifth planet from the Sun and the largest in the Solar System.

Jupiter and Saturn are gas giants; the other two giant planets, Uranus and Neptune are ice giants. Jupiter has been known to astronomers since antiquity, and the Romans named it after their god Jupiter.

When viewed from Earth Jupiter is bright enough for its reflected light to cast shadows, making it on average the third brightest object in the night sky after the Moon and Venus.

Jupiter in Astronomy

• Jupiter's diameter ranges from 133,709 - 253,984 kms
• Circumference around Jupiter 439,264 kms
• Jupiter has 67 Moons and 3 Rings
• Notable Moons Ganymede, Callisto, Io and Europa
• Orbit distance - 778,340,821 kms
• Orbit period - 4,332.82 Earth days (11.86 Earth years)
• Surface temperature of Jupiter is -108 degrees celsius
• Length of day is 9.9 Earth hours
• Length of year is 11.8 Earth years
• First recorded - 7th - 8th century BC

Jupiter in Astrology

• Rules Sagittarius and the 9th House
• Spends around 1 year in each Astrological Sign
• Jupiter is a Social / Teacher Planet and is concerned with the maintenance of faith, the development of vitality, confidence and the lifting of spirits

Jupiter urges us to connect with something greater than self, encourages learning through experience, concepts and principles. Presents a need for faith, trust and confidence in life, a need to improve self, to make meaning of happenstance.

Jupiter Asks

• What kinds of experiences will help me feel more faith in myself and in life?
• Where might I be taking too much for granted?