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The colossal gas giant Jupiter boasts the shortest day in our solar system, completing a full spin in just under 10 hours. This incredible speed is even more remarkable given Jupiter's immense sizeโit's more than 11 times the diameter of Earth. While one might guess a small planet like Mercury would spin quickly, it actually has a very long day. Jupiter's rapid rotation is a common trait among the gas giants and contributes to the powerful jet streams and distinct, stormy bands we see in its atmosphere.
Closer to the sun, the terrestrial planets offer their own unique superlatives. Mercury and Venus are the only two planets in our solar system completely devoid of moons. Their proximity to the Sun's immense gravitational pull makes it very difficult for them to capture and hold onto a natural satellite. Farther out, Mars is home to the tallest known mountain, Olympus Mons. This massive shield volcano towers nearly three times the height of Mount Everest. Its colossal size is possible thanks to Mars's lower surface gravity and lack of plate tectonics, which allowed lava to build up in the same spot for millions of years.
More Science Trivia Questions
What colorful marine invertebrate is known for its ability to split light into rainbow patterns and is popular in reef tanks?
70What famous catalog of deep-sky objects, compiled by a French astronomer in the 1700s, contains 110 entries?
69What type of coral does not rely on photosynthetic algae and must be fed directly?
61What is the approximate diameter of the largest known star, UY Scuti, compared to our Sun?
59What phenomenon causes stars to appear to twinkle when viewed from Earth's surface?
56What type of filtration uses live rock and sand beds to naturally process waste in a marine aquarium?