Jupiter contains two-thirds of the planetary mass of our entire solar system. It's immense gravitational force plays a major role in the cosmic make-up of our system of planets.

In July 1994 we enjoyed a first-hand glimpse at Jupiter's mighty influence when a series of pieces from the disintegrated Comet Shoemaker-Levy 9 were drawn into Jupiter's mass.

Jupiter is one of the planets visible to the naked eye. It's path through the sky has been charted by stargazers for thousands of years.

Jupiter's most notable feature, the "red spot" is believed to be a giant gas storm which has been raging at least since the time of Galileo, who studied the planet, and in 1610 discovered its four largest moons.

Although the composition of the gas giant is similar to that of a small sun, Jupiter's mass is still only a fraction of that needed for ignition.

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