Time on Jupiter Now

Jupiter, the largest planet in our Solar System, has a time system vastly different from Earth’s. The Jupiter Planetary Clock adapts the Unix epoch (January 1, 1970) to Jupiter’s unique rotation and orbit, allowing you to see the passage of time as it would be on this gas giant. Because of its rapid rotation and long orbit, Jupiter’s calendar is dramatically different from Earth’s.

How it Works

The Planetary Clock is a system that takes Earth’s Unix time and adjusts it to fit the rotational and orbital characteristics of each planet. For Jupiter, this adjustment accounts for the time it takes Jupiter to complete one full rotation (a 'day'), and the time it takes Jupiter to complete one full orbit around the Sun (a 'year').

By adjusting for these factors, the Planetary Clock reflects what the current time and date would be on Jupiter, synchronised to the Unix epoch.

 

Jupiter's Unique Rotation and Orbit

Jupiter has one of the fastest rotations in the Solar System and one of the longest orbital periods, creating a timekeeping system that is distinct from Earth.

A day on Jupiter is incredibly short, lasting just 9 hours and 56 minutes. This means that Jupiter completes more than two full rotations for every Earth day. The Planetary Clock adjusts for this fast rotation, showing time on Jupiter passing much more quickly than on Earth.

In contrast to its rapid day length, Jupiter takes about 12 Earth years to complete one orbit around the Sun. This means that years on Jupiter pass very slowly compared to Earth. The Planetary Clock accounts for this by showing a much longer progression of time before a new 'Jovian year' begins.

Because Jupiter’s day is so short but its year is so long, the Planetary Clock must balance these extremes, showing rapid daily changes but much slower yearly progression. As you watch the clock, you’ll see how time on Jupiter moves swiftly day to day, yet the planet remains in its early years according to Earth’s timeline.