Speak with me long enough and eventually the conversation may turn to the big questions. Right up there with the meaning of life and how people can watch C-SPAN 2 is my endless frustration with Jupiter. Here's my basic question:If I was to come from outer space in a super strong, element resistant pod akin to the ones George Jetson uses to propel assorted family members out of his car, would I go through the planet (as it's comprised mostly of gas) or would I hit a surface of some sort at the core? I have read from credible sources both scenarios. In one, the planet is merely a swirling ball of heated gas. In the other, there is a tangible surface made of some solid element, perhaps nickel. Other theories have said it may rain diamonds and there may be floating pockets of solid ground in oceans of molten metal.
The bottom line is no one seems to know yet every account seems so certain that its theory is the correct one. In several science specials they mention the "surface of Jupiter" but never allude to what that surface is. It's kind of like when my banker tries to explain to me the benefits of long-term CDs; there's a vague understanding of the idea (it has something to do with money) but that's about it.
So I've had it with Jupiter--are you a gas giant or do you have a solid core that is encompassed by an enormous swirling mass of gaseous storms?! Why play coy, just tell us! If you're nothing more than hot air, don't be embarrassed. Surely you wouldn't get demoted from planetary status like poor Pluto (at least IT has a surface!) And if you do have a surface where I could throw a frisbee or do push-ups, let it be known. Otherwise I'm going to have to move my intergalactic kickball game to planet more worthy of not casting me through its airy core into the reaches of outer space.
