Fun Space Facts for Children: Jupiter, the Gas Giant

Jupiter Image

The Planet Jupiter:  Can you take the Red Eye there?

Name:   Jupiter is named after the mighty Roman ruler of all the Gods. Zeus is the Greek equivalent.  It turned out to be a great name, as Jupiter is the biggest planet of them all!

Diameter: 88,444 miles; 142336.82 kilometers

Temperature:  -162°F; -107.77°C

Fun Jupiter Facts: Have you heard of a, ‘Red Eye?  It’s used to describe a plane flight that takes off after 9pm.  It’s also an expression associated with Jupiter which has its’ own red eye.  Jupiter’s eye is 25,000 miles long! And even though it may look like an eye, it’s actually a storm.  And an epic storm at that, it’s been continuing for over 150 years!  But we can’t yet visit Jupiter on a red eye to view its’ red eye.  The technology is beyond us at the moment.  But you can see it in the photograph above.  Does it remind you of Sauron in Lord of the Rings?  A huge creepy eye, watching over us all?

Scientists believe that Jupiter has a rocky core, but most of this planet is made up of gas.  Layers and layers of gas.  Most of it is hydrogen, then a much smaller amount of helium  and a little bit of ammonia, sulfur, methane and water vapor.

Jupiter has the most moons of any planet.  There are sixty three and scientists are still counting.  Europa is one of its many moons and is very intriguing, because it has water.  Where there is water, there might also be signs of alien life.

Jupiter also plays a starring role in the sixth book of the Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures series.  In book six, Amelia, the Jubs and the Case for Peace,  Amelia and Uglesnoo travel to Jupiter where they must collect ten Blazebolts. But Jupiter’s aliens – the Jubs – are at war! Uglesnoo’s spaceship takes a hit. They need to make an emergency landing on Jupiter for repairs. After landing, an old enemy makes an appearance… Curious about the series?

Next post: Fun facts about the planet Saturn.

Evonne Blanchard is the author of Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace,  Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage and Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon. These are the first three books in Amelia’s Amazing Space Adventures.  The author is currently working on the fourth book in the series Amelia, the Snapperjacks and the Molten Maze.

New Project-2

Ever wondered if aliens exist?  What if one needed your help?  Would you travel into outer space?  For the adventures…of a lifetime!

Now Available! 

Book Three: Amelia, the Merballs and the Emerald Cannon

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Amelia and Uglesnoo land on Mercury.  They meet the Merballs, the friendly aliens that live there.  All goes well until an asteroid hits their planet.  Amelia and Uglesnoo find themselves in deep trouble.  How will they convince the Merballs of their innocence?  And how will they manage to collect the flying shoes, escape Mercury and continue their quest to save Uglesnoo’s sister?

“Adventure, inventiveness, and humor merge in this quirky, appealing tale.” Kirkus Reviews.  Read Full Review

“…This third book is even more original, fun and creative! With aliens, different planets, a good dose of humor and excellent storytelling that is age-appropriate, this is one of the best kids series out there. The illustrations are pretty fun too and fit the story well.”I Heart Reading.  Read Full Review

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 Book Two: Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage

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Uglesnoo needs Amelia’s help.  His sister is very sick.  The only cure is a repelling crystal from Neptune.  With his Earthling friend, Amelia, they must continue their quest.  More items are needed to buy the crystal.  But Venus is full of danger and angry aliens.  Are Uglesnoo and Amelia in over their heads?

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“A lively sequel offers a sure-handed blend of fantasy, humor, adventure, and an ingenious heroine.” Kirkus Reviews

5/5 star rating!  “Amelia, the Venutons and the Golden Cage is a wonderful children’s book that will allow your kids to get started in the Sci-Fi genre… The story is intriguing and well thought out. All in all, the author did a great job of creating an engaging story that kept my kids interested. We are definitely looking forward to the next book!”- Examiner.com

Book One: Amelia, the Moochins and the Sapphire Palace

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When is a present not a present?  When it’s a friendly purple alien called Uglesnoo, from the planet Pluto!  Uglesnoo needs to leave right away for the Moon.  Uglesnoo also desperately needs Amelia’s help.  Should Amelia venture into outer Space?

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“Appealing Illustrations combine with lots of text to make this a great read for children transitioning from picture books to chapter books.” – Kirkus Reviews

“The story is imaginative and fun…and a perfect book to stretch my oldest in his independent reading with something fun to keep his attention.” —Beautiful Books for Children

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