JUPITER #viralvideo #space #universe #planet #fyp #solarsystem #astronomy #moon #planethumans
Jupiter’s immense gravity—over 300 times more powerful than Earth’s—acts as a cosmic gatekeeper, deflecting or capturing many comets and asteroids before they reach the inner Solar System. Positioned just beyond the asteroid belt, it shapes orbital paths via gravitational resonances (like the Kirkwood gaps), steering dangerous objects away from Earth. The 1994 Shoemaker–Levy 9 impact dramatically showcased this effect, as Jupiter absorbed fragments that might otherwise have threatened us . At a rate possibly thousands of times higher than Earth’s impact rate, Jupiter regularly intercepts cosmic debris . However, its influence is nuanced—some gravitational interactions can redirect objects inward, creating a complex interplay of protection and risk . Overall, Jupiter’s presence has significantly reduced the frequency of catastrophic impacts, helping create the stable environment needed for life to flourish on Earth.