<ul><li>New research suggests that Jupiter was once about twice its current size and had a magnetic field 50 times stronger than it does today.</li><li>The study, published in Nature Astronomy, led by Professor Konstantin Batygin and Professor Fred C. Adams, provides insight into how Jupiter and the solar system formed billions of years ago.</li><li>By analyzing the movements of Jupiter's inner moons, Amalthea and Thebe, researchers estimated Jupiter's ancient size and strength, revealing it was much wider and had a more intense magnetic field.</li><li>The study's focus on real measurements of Jupiter's current moons and spin, rather than assumptions, confirms theories on planet formation and helps understand how the solar system settled into its current structure.</li></ul>

Jupiter was once twice its size—and helped shape the solar system

Discover more