it's a gas giant and it has a gravitation ten times that of earth , how do they know these things
2007-12-09 15:15:12 · 8 answers · asked by alvin_vinson 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Physics
They have sent an actual probe into Jupiter, and it fell though atmosphere until it got crushed by the intense pressure.
Based on the size and gravitational pull, it is possible to calculate the density. The low density of Jupiter implies that it is mostly Hydrogen, which as a gas should give no surface.
It is most likely that there is a solid core deep within Jupiter beneath oceans of liquid Hydrogen, so Jupiter does have a surface at great depth.
2007-12-09 15:24:02 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is still debated whether there is a solid core or not. The gravitation is a complicated answer. There are several ways to estimate this. First, we need the mass of the planet. Kepler's equations state that for a distance from the sun a planet, or orbiting mass, has a rotational period,or year, that is proportional to its mass. So, when we apply this equation to the length of Jupiter's year and distance from the sun, we have a close approximation of Jupiter's mass.
Now that we have a mass we can use the law of universal gravitation to figure out Jupiter's gravitational force. The equation involves the gravitational constant, the mass of the object, and the distance from the center of mass of the object.
When one says Jupiter's gravitation is 10 times that of Earth, they are really saying it has about 10 times the mass of Earth.
2007-12-09 15:31:55 · answer #2 · answered by Miles 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Radio telescopes, they use Radar-like receivers to pick up electromagnetic signatures from distant bodies, and they can tell by that signature.
Jupiter has a kind of surface, but because of the immense gravitional forces, it's a molten slush mixed with super-compressed gasses. It's almost a star.
2007-12-09 15:27:48 · answer #3 · answered by John S 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The radius and orbital period of its moons tells us its mass from the universal law of gravitation. The implied average density is too low for a rocky bulk. It's core may be solid, though.
2007-12-09 16:21:55 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. R 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
There are a number of ways. One that hasn't been mentioned is using radio telescopes to see what elements are in it as well as the state there in. Also, it's mass can be determined by keplars law, OR the really cool way of seeing how much space bends around it. Which isn't as accurate, but it sure is nifty.
2007-12-09 18:56:17 · answer #5 · answered by Shane S 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Of course it has a surface. What are you talking about? They know its gravitational pull because of its size and properties (gas). If it had no surface, it wouldn't be there.
2007-12-09 15:19:43 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
they threw a rock at it and then calculated how fast it took the rock to hit the surface. when it went straight through they just said it had no surface.. i dont know actually. i've been stumped as well..
space.. reminds me of DBZ when vegeta would train in bulma's gravity chamber at 400 times earths gravity.. lol then yamcha went in there and nearly got crushed.. man,, good times.
2007-12-09 15:18:52 · answer #7 · answered by darkxdecadencex 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sent a probe into the surface and it took pictures
2007-12-09 15:18:23 · answer #8 · answered by I hate Hillary Clinton 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋