The world is a strange place, but that shouldn't be a surprise since the solar system Earth belongs to is even weirder. There is a new theory on how our solar system works and that the planet Jupiter is responsible for creating Mercury, Venus and even Earth.
What's Wrong With Our Solar System?
There is nothing wrong with the solar system, it's just different. Life Noggin begins by explaining that other solar systems have giant planets similar to our Jupiter that orbit their sun at a closer distance. This is completely different from our solar system, since Jupiter orbits much further away from our sun (via Sploid).
The "Wandering Jupiter"
Although the difference has baffled scientists for ages, there is a new theory on why Jupiter is so far away from the sun. The theory suggests that the giant planet was originally a "wandering Jupiter" that was drawn to the sun and caused the sun's already orbiting mega planets to crash into each other.
However, Jupiter's slow move away from the sun also caused some particles to create smaller planets like Mars, Mercury, Venus and Earth. This explains why the smaller planets are much younger than Jupiter.
Good Guy Planet Jupiter
It looks like Jupiter also did more than just help create the smaller planets of our solar system. It is also believed that Jupiter has prevented comets, asteroids and other space objects from crashing into Earth.
Scientists believe that several asteroids and meteors that were supposed to hit Earth ended up being pulled into Jupiter and crashed into the giant planet instead. These collisions happen frequently, at around 5 times per month.
Not So Good Guy Planet Jupiter
Jupiter might appear like a good guy planet, but scientists also consider the ways that the giant planet might cause harm to Earth. There is also a possibility that Jupiter can deflect asteroids, which could end up crashing into Earth and cause a catastrophic impact. Luckily, it looks like Jupiter is doing a good job protecting Earth and the rest of our weird solar system.
