New Measurements Reveal Jupiter Smaller and Flatter Than Previously Thought
Recent research using NASA's Juno spacecraft data indicates Jupiter is slightly smaller and more flattened than earlier estimates, refining our understanding of the gas giant's dimensions.
Recent measurements from NASA's Juno spacecraft have revealed that Jupiter is approximately 8 kilometers narrower at the equator and 24 kilometers flatter at the poles than previously estimated. These findings, published in Nature Astronomy on February 2, 2026, suggest that Jupiter's equatorial diameter is about 142,976 kilometers, and its polar diameter is approximately 133,684 kilometers.
The research team, led by the Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel, utilized radio signals from Juno to map Jupiter's atmosphere. As these signals passed through the planet's atmosphere, they bent, allowing scientists to create detailed maps of temperature and density. This method provided a clearer picture of Jupiter's size and shape.
Dr. Eli Galanti, a senior staff scientist on the research team, emphasized the significance of these adjustments, stating that even minor changes in the planet's dimensions can enhance models of Jupiter's interior, aligning gravity data and atmospheric measurements more accurately.
The study also addressed discrepancies in earlier measurements, which did not account for Jupiter's powerful winds. By incorporating these factors, the team resolved longstanding inconsistencies in the planet's size estimations.
These refined measurements are expected to improve our understanding of Jupiter's formation and evolution, offering insights into the development of gas giants both within our solar system and beyond.