Check out this picture:
Check out this video on Solar System distances:
We have discussed in past devotions how scientists watch other suns for planets with telescopes like Hubble.
They look for dips in the brightness of a sun that come in normal patterns, and they can deduce planet sizes and orbits.
One thing they have learned is most giant planets like Jupiter are in close orbits to their sun. They are called “Hot Jupiter’s”.
What is important about Jupiter being further out in the Solar system than Earth?
Remember, from the video, how very far away Jupiter is … but also remember how much bigger it was: a grape, vs our planet being the top of a pin. Jupiter’s massive gravity pulls many comets away from the Earth and to itself. Protection set up by God, for us.
Psalm 19:1:
The heavens are telling of the glory of God; And their expanse is declaring the work
of His hands.
© Vivian P. Kirkpatrick, 2017
This devotion in video form: here.
References:
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pR5VJo5ifdE
• http://earthsky.org/space/is-it-true-that-jupiter-protects-earth