How did Jupiter get so many moons?

Answer 1

The short answer of course is that nobody knows "for sure", but intelligent speculation based on theoretical models of how the planets formed gives some insight to the question. Jupiter and the other "gas giant" planets (Saturn, Uranus and Neptune) ALL have a significant number of natural satellites (compared to earth) as well as ring systems. Their large mass and hence higher gravitational pull would account for the capture of many bodies which at one time orbited the sun independently. Jupiter does indeed have the largest number of "known" natural satellites (if you don't count the material in the ring systems). It is also the largest and most massive of the planets by far and is close to the Asteroid Belt (a possible source of many of its satellites). In fact, its gravity likely helped to create, shape and maintain the belt. Being the closest gas giant planet to the Earth, it also is the easiest to view and do counting surveys of the space around it for satellites. As an example to consider, Comet Shoemaker-Levy passed close to Jupiter, and while so doing, had it's orbit diverted and was broken up in the process. A few months later, that comet's remains crashed into Jupiter's atmosphere as witnessed by space probes, telescopes and observers in July of 1994. Though it eventually collided with Jupiter, the comet originally orbited the sun, and showed how such an object could concievably be transformed from a solar orbit to a planetary orbit by one or more gravitational encounters with one ore more giant planets.

Answer 2

Jupiter is the most massive planet, so it exerts the largest gravitational force of all planets in the Solar System. That's why it has so many moons.

Answer 3

I guess it's the beauty of it. Jupiter is the largest planet in our Solar System. Because it is so large, Jupiter's system resembles a miniature Solar System, with its numerous moons and rings. I guess that is why it has so many moons. :)

Answer 4

The lazy answer is "Because God made it that way". The real answer is no one knows. Jupiter, being so large, probably captured them in the early solar system. That they are so different from one another is amazing.

Answer 5

Because of it's giant size, Jupiter has a huge gravitational pull. So it has captured lots of satellites over time.

Answer 6

Gravitational pull

Answer 7

It hung out a sign called gravity.

Answer 8

who know how many but it, has 12 of them, this i know.

Answer 9

search it up on the enternet?

Answer 10

i didnt even new that