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Jupiter Magnetosphere Overview: Size, Shape and Science - Windows to the Universe
This is a drawing of the magnetosphere of Jupiter.
Click on image for full size
Windows to the Universe original artwork

Related links:

"What is a Magnetosphere?"

Parts of the Magnetosphere

How We Measure Magnetism

A Look at Jupiter's Magnetosphere

Jupiter's magnetosphere is very special. It is the biggest thing in the entire solar system. Not only is it big enough to hold all of Jupiter's moons, but the sun itself could fit inside. It goes all the way to Saturn. If it could be seen at night, it would be as big in the sky as the full moon.

The unusual way that Jupiter's magnetic field is made affects the shape of different parts of Jupiter's magnetosphere.

Jupiter has a donut-shaped cloud which goes around inside the magnetosphere. Jupiter lights up with very beautiful aurora. Jupiter also makes radio signals and other waves, called whistler waves, chorus and hiss.


Last modified June 3, 2003 by Randy Russell.

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Windows to the Universe, a project of the National Earth Science Teachers Association, is sponsored in part is sponsored in part through grants from federal agencies (NASA and NOAA), and partnerships with affiliated organizations, including the American Geophysical Union, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, the Earth System Information Partnership, the American Meteorological Society, the National Center for Science Education, and TERC. The American Geophysical Union and the American Geosciences Institute are Windows to the Universe Founding Partners. NESTA welcomes new Institutional Affiliates in support of our ongoing programs, as well as collaborations on new projects. Contact NESTA for more information. NASA ESIP NCSE HHMI AGU AGI AMS NOAA