Which planets have gravity

And when it comes to the planets of our solar system , which vary in size and mass, the strength of gravity on their surfaces varies considerably. For example, Earth's gravity, as already noted, is equivalent to 9. This means that an object, if held above the ground and let go, will accelerate towards the surface at a speed of about 9.

This is the standard for measuring gravity on other planets, which is also expressed as a single g. Based on their sizes and masses, the gravity on another planet is often expressed in terms of g units as well as in terms of the rate of free-fall acceleration.

So how exactly do the planets of our solar system stack up in terms of their gravity compared to Earth? Like this:. With a mean radius of about 2, km and a mass of 3. This makes Mercury the smallest and least massive planet in the solar system.

However, thanks to its high density — a robust 5. Venus is similar to Earth in many ways, which is why it is often referred to as "Earth's twin".

With a mean radius of 4. Hence, it is no surprise why the gravity on Venus is very close to that of Earth's — 8. This is one astronomical body where human beings have been able to test out the affects of diminished gravity in person. Calculations based on its mean radius km , mass 7.

Mars is also similar to Earth in many key respects. However, when it comes to size, mass and density, Mars is comparatively small. In fact, its mean radius of 3. Its density, meanwhile, is about 0. Because of this, Mars has 0.

Jupiter is the largest and most massive planet in the solar system. But being a gas giant, Jupiter is naturally less dense than Earth and other terrestrial planets, with a mean density of 1. What's more, being a gas giant, Jupiter does not have a true surface.

If one were to stand on it, they would simply sink until they eventually arrived at its theorized solid core. As a result, Jupiter's surface gravity which is defined as the force of gravity at its cloud tops , is Like Jupiter, Saturn is a huge gas giant that is significantly larger and more massive than Earth, but far less dense.

As a result, its surface gravity again, measured from the top of its clouds is just slightly more than Earth's, which is With a mean radius of 25, km and a mass of 8. However, as a gas giant, its density 1. Hence, why its surface gravity measured from its cloud tops is slightly weaker than Earth's — 8.

All told, it is 3. But, being a gas giant , it has a low density of 1. All of this works out to a surface gravity of All in all, gravity runs the gamut here in the solar system, ranging from 0. And on the Moon, were astronauts have ventured, it is a very mild 0. Juno's instruments will keep careful track of how Jupiter's pull on the spacecraft changes as the spacecraft passes over the planet's surface.

In this way, Juno will be able to measure how Jupiter's gravity is different from place to place. By measuring the slight changes in Juno's trajectory, scientists will learn where exactly Jupiter keeps the bulk of its mass in its deep interior. Scientists can then infer details about the composition of Jupiter's unseen lower layers and core. If possible, build on the children's knowledge by offering them a future Jupiter's Family Secrets activity.

Invite the children to return to wrap-up their investigations of Jupiter by attending the concluding activity, My Trip to Jupiter , where they create scrapbooks to document their own journeys into Jupiter's deepest mysteries! LPI Education. The Pull of the Planets Overview The Pull of the Planets is a minute activity in which teams of children model the gravitational fields of planets on a flexible surface.

This series is appropriate for children ages 10 to What's the Point? Gravity is the force that keeps planets in orbit around the Sun.

Gravity alone holds us to Earth's surface. Planets have measurable properties, such as size, mass, density, and composition. A planet's size and mass determines its gravitational pull. A planet's mass and size determines how strong its gravitational pull is. Models can help us experiment with the motions of objects in space, which are determined by the gravitational pull between them.

Prepare the gravity fields: stretch the plastic sheets plastic wrap or garbage bags around the inside of the embroidery hoops, then add the outer hoop, keeping the plastic stretched tightly.

Set out the remainder of the materials. Activity 1. Ask the children to recall from Heavyweight Champion: Jupiter! Which properties cause a planet to have more or less gravity? Planets that are massive and have the largest diameters have the most gravity. Which properties do not influence gravity? The presence of an atmosphere, temperature, and distance from the Sun do not affect a planet's gravity.

Are the objects in the solar system still or are they in motion? The Sun's gravity pulls the planets in orbit around it, and some planets pull moons in orbit around them. Even spacecraft are in motion through the solar system, either in orbit around the Earth or Moon, or traveling to further worlds, because of gravitational forces.

The Juno mission will be pulled into orbit around Jupiter by Jupiter's intense gravity. In fact, the only object in the Solar System with a gravity larger than Jupiter is the Sun. The gravitational force that an object exerts depends on three things; its density, mass, and size. Despite Jupiter having the third lowest density 1. Jupiter has a mass of 1. To put this in greater perspective, Jupiter is around 2. Meanwhile, its diameter comes in at a massive 86, For comparison, it is much larger than second place Saturn at 72, Jupiter is large enough to fit any object in our Solar System inside itself, with the exceptions of Saturn and the Sun.