Jupiter saved Earth from spiralling into the Sun, scientists say

Jupiter, the largest planet in our solar system, may have helped Earth even before our planet existed. According to new research from scientists at Rice University, the gas giant’s early growth blocked the flow of gas and dust toward the inner solar system. This prevented the material that eventually formed Earth, Venus, and Mars from being pulled into the Sun.

The study also suggests that Jupiter’s gravity not only helped the inner planets become stable, but also shaped the structure of our solar system by carving out rings and gaps, which had a big influence on how, when and where rocky bodies were formed.

According to the study’s co-lead and assistant professor of Earth at Rice University, Andre Izidoro, “Jupiter didn’t just become the biggest planet – it set the architecture for the