Study for the Astronomy Exam with multiple choice questions, complete with explanations and insights for each question. Prepare effectively and enhance your understanding of celestial phenomena.

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What is the largest planet in our solar system?

  1. Saturn

  2. Uranus

  3. Earth

  4. Jupiter

The correct answer is: Jupiter

The largest planet in our solar system is Jupiter. This gas giant has a diameter of about 86,881 miles (139,822 kilometers), which makes it more than 11 times wider than Earth. Jupiter's immense size is also evident in its mass; it is over 300 times the mass of Earth, containing more than twice the mass of all the other planets combined. Jupiter is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, similar to the composition of the sun, and it has a very thick atmosphere that contributes to its size. Its strong gravitational pull allows it to retain many moons and capture objects from the asteroid belt, further emphasizing its vast scale within our solar system.