What if Earth were the size of Jupiter? What would be different about life as we know it?

Question

What if Earth were the size of Jupiter?  What would be different about life as we know it?

Layla Anderson · Accepted Answer

Increased gravity for one thing...

Given that Jupiter's diameter is approximately eleven times that of Earth, its volume is approximately thirteen hundred times that of Earth. If the Earth were the size of Jupiter but still the same density as it is now, then gravity would be #11# times stronger at the surface (being proportional to the mass divided by the square of the radius), which would make it a little difficult for vertebrates similar to us to function - Imagine trying to carry your own weight plus #10# times that. Because of the increased gravity, the atmosphere would likely be much denser. I'm not sure if this would tend to raise or lower the surface temperature; if it generated a stronger greenhouse effect, the surface could be significantly warmer than it is now. Alternatively, I think it would reflect more solar radiation back into space before it reached the ground.

Ivy Allen · Answer

undefined All things considered, life as we know it would not be sustainable on a planet the size of Jupiter. If Earth were the size of Jupiter, the atmosphere would be thicker, potentially trapping heat and making the surface extremely hot; the increased gravitational pull would also likely prevent the formation of stable landmasses and oceans as we know them. Finally, the immense pressure of Jupiter would make it impossible for humans to survive.