Jupiter 3D Orbit Simulator
Explore Jupiter in 3D, including its orbit around the Sun, distance, physical characteristics and major moons.
Open Jupiter in the simulator →
Explore Jupiter in 3D
Jupiter is the largest planet — a gas giant more massive than all the other planets combined. Its four big Galilean moons are easy to follow in 3D.
Jupiter facts
| Mean radius | 69,911 km |
|---|---|
| Mass | 1.90 × 10²⁷ kg |
| Orbital period | 11.86 years |
| Average distance from Sun | 5.20 AU (≈778.5 million km) |
| Day length | 9.9 hours |
| Number of moons | 95+ (confirmed) |
| Notable moons | Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto (the Galilean moons) |
Why Jupiter's orbit matters
Jupiter does not move in a perfect circle. Like every planet it follows an ellipse, so its distance from the Sun — and from Earth — changes over time. That is why Jupiter’s brightness and apparent size vary, and why it is best observed at certain times. See Keplerian orbits explained.
FAQ
Can I see Jupiter's moons?
Yes. Focus Jupiter in the simulator and turn on the Moons layer to watch Io, Europa, Ganymede, Callisto (the Galilean moons) orbit it.
Is Jupiter shown to scale?
You can choose. Real-scale mode is physically faithful (so Jupiter looks tiny and far away), while visible mode enlarges it so it is easy to see.
Does the simulator use real orbital data?
Yes — Jupiter is placed using real Keplerian orbital elements. The model is simplified for clarity (see the Data Sources page), not a spacecraft-grade ephemeris.