Why is Jupiter shrinking?

[ronbarak]

1. Is Jupiter losing volume or mass?

If yes, why?

And, if mass - will the rate of loss allow (at some future point) the asteroid belt to form a planet?

[michael.h.f.wilkinson]

Why do you think it is shrinking? It is currently at the far side of the sun from our perspective (roughly) and therefore 2 astronomical units (nearly 300 million kilometres) further away than at opposition. It therefore looks smaller.

[xtreemchaos]

its not shrinkng mate,if anything its growing with the amount of cosmic debrey it pulls in.clear skys.charl.

[Macavity]

The solar system is generally a fairly stable place at the moment.

But there are hints (theories) that it had a more exciting past...

Our sensible-looking "graded" planet sizes may be the exception

rather than the rule. Even GIANT planets once wandered about!

I did read something re. super-earths being the remnant cores of

giant planets. Migrated inwards and the atmosphere evaporated.

Not here, but an interesting (exciting) scenario to contemplate!

[webtubbs]

1. Both

2. It is emitting roughly twice as much energy that is receives.

3. Maybe, but it's got enough mass to last billions of years. By then the Sun would have died, with the Solar system with it.

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[MarsG76]

I'd also say that it would be growing rather then shrinking... Although the GRS is shrinking...