Why is Jupiter called Earth’s bodyguard?

Brains On! Science podcast for kids

American Public Media

Kids & Family, Education For Kids

4.4 • 13.5K Ratings

🗓️ 28 January 2025

⏱️ 26 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jupiter is the oldest planet in the solar system. It’s also the biggest. Some call it “Earth’s bodyguard” because it keeps asteroids and comets from hitting our planet. But is Jupiter really protecting Earth?

Join Molly and co-host Rida as they head to a live taping of everyone’s favorite space talk show, Pop Planet, and learn about Jupiter — from the gassy giant itself! Plus a mystery sound that’s out of this world!

Transcript

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0:00.0	You're listening to Brains-On where we're a series about being curious.
0:04.0	Brains-on is supported in part by a grant from the National Science Foundation.
0:11.4	Ah, lunchtime at Brains-on headquarters.
0:14.4	Is there anything more delightful than enjoying a nice, soggy sandwich in the confines of this windowless break room?
0:20.5	Oh, hey, Mark.
0:21.8	Hi, Molly.
0:22.9	Geez, you're hungry.
0:24.3	What do you have for lunch today?
0:26.1	Beans.
0:27.0	Beans? Any particular kind?
0:29.4	Oh, all kinds.
0:31.6	Black, baked, garbanzo, lima, navy, pinto.
0:35.3	Why beans?
0:36.8	I want to be like Jupiter.
0:39.2	Elaborate?
0:41.1	Okay.
0:42.6	I read somewhere that Jupiter is like Earth's bodyguard,
0:46.6	like a protector.
0:48.4	It stops big space rocks from hitting us,
0:51.8	and I thought Brains-on-H-Q could use somebody like that. I want to be the one who hitting us. And I thought Brains on HQ could use somebody like that.
0:56.8	I want to be the one who protects this place. But why the beans?
1:01.9	Well, you know how Jupiter is a gas giant? That's where the beans come in. Because you know what
	...

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