'Landing will swallow you': Why Jupiter doesn’t have a solid surface to walk on

Produced by: Tarun Mishra

Jupiter’s Unique Composition

Unlike Earth and other rocky planets, Jupiter lacks a solid surface. It’s composed entirely of gas and liquid, making it impossible to land on or walk across.

Largest Planet in the Solar System

Jupiter, positioned fifth from the Sun between Mars and Saturn, is the largest planet in our solar system. Its immense size could fit over 1,000 Earths inside it.

Primarily a Gas Giant

Jupiter’s atmosphere consists mostly of hydrogen and helium, with no grass, dirt, or solid ground. The gaseous layers swirl violently, creating a stormy environment with massive, high-speed winds.

Intense Wind Speeds

Jupiter experiences extreme wind speeds, with some areas reaching over 400 mph—about three times faster than a Category 5 hurricane on Earth.

Increasing Pressure with Depth

As one descends into Jupiter, the atmospheric pressure intensifies dramatically. At a certain depth, the pressure is so high that a human body would implode if exposed.

Formation of Liquid Metallic Hydrogen

Deep within Jupiter, the extreme pressure compresses hydrogen gas into a liquid state, creating an ocean of liquid metallic hydrogen. This “ocean” is unique as it doesn’t contain water.

Mysterious Core Composition

The core of Jupiter remains a mystery. Current research suggests it may be a dense, hot mixture of liquid and solid-like metallic elements, although it is not solid in the conventional sense.

Uncharted Core Conditions

Scientists are still studying the nature of Jupiter’s core, where the pressure remains incredibly high. Understanding this core may reveal more about the planet's formation and its influence within the solar system.