How Fast Does Jupiter Rotate On Its Axis and Why Does the Atmosphere On Jupiter Rotate At Different Speeds?

The planet Jupiter’s rotation is the fastest of all the Solar System’s planets.

Jupiter does not rotate as a solid body does, all at the same speed, because it is made out of hydrogen and helium.

Around the equator, the gas layer of Jupiter has a rotation period of 5 hours, 50 minutes, and 30 seconds.

Most of the rest of the planet takes 5 minutes and 11 seconds longer to rotate.

Various individual sections rotate at still different speeds, and some areas also seem to float back and forth while rotating.

This phenomenon is called differential rotation.

Jupiter’s axis is almost vertical.

It tilts only 3°, in comparison, Earth’s axis has a 23.5° tilt.