Formation of Jupiter: Birth of the Solar System's Giant

Approximately 4.5 billion years ago, Jupiter formed as the first and largest planet in the Solar System. Scientific evidence suggests Jupiter's core formed through accretion of icy planetesimals, eventually growing massive enough to attract hydrogen and helium gases from the solar nebula. Jupiter acquired more than twice the combined mass of all other planets. Jupiter's gravitational influence altered orbits of smaller bodies, prevented planet formation in the current asteroid belt, and reduced impacts on inner planets. The planet's early inward then outward migration affected material distribution throughout the developing Solar System.