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A planetary body may have smashed into Jupiter, creating its weird core

The theory tested in computer simulations could help explain why Jupiter’s interior defies logic

Jupiter collision illustration

WRECKING BALL A planetary body about 10 times as massive as Earth may have smashed into Jupiter billions of years ago, creating the oddly diffuse core seen in the gas giant today.

Astrobiology Center, Japan

By Maria Temming

- More than 2 years ago

A planetary smashup billions of years ago may be to blame for Jupiter’s weirdly puffy core.