Jupiter has the shortest day in our solar system.
One rotation on Jupiter, which defines its day, takes approximately 10 hours. This rapid rotation contrasts sharply with Earth's 24-hour day and makes Jupiter visibly oblate – meaning it bulges at its equator.
Here's a breakdown:
- Jupiter's Day: Roughly 10 hours
- Earth's Day: Roughly 24 hours
The immense size and gaseous composition of Jupiter allow it to rotate much faster than smaller, rocky planets like Earth. This speedy spin is a defining characteristic of the gas giant.
In summary, if you're looking for the planet where the days fly by, Jupiter is the place to "be" (though you couldn't stand on its surface!).