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Gravity on other planets
Beginner
Surface gravity depends on mass and radius.
Surface gravity g = GM/R²: Mercury 3.7, Venus 8.9, Mars 3.7, Jupiter 24.8, Moon 1.6 m/s². Weight changes but mass doesn't.
A 60 kg person weighs 222 N on Mars.
Gravity doesn't depend on mass alone but also radius.
In more detail
Surface gravity varies widely across the solar system, from about 0.38 g on Mars to about 2.5 g on Jupiter. It depends on mass and radius, so larger planets do not always have stronger surface gravity.
Real-world uses
- Designing spacecraft landers requires knowledge of local surface gravity.
- Astronaut training considers gravity levels on planets and moons.
- Mission planners compare the surface gravity of Mars and the Moon to plan how astronauts will move and carry equipment.
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Frequently asked questions
Would I weigh more on Jupiter?
Yes, about 2.5 times more, though Jupiter has no solid surface to stand on.
Why is Jupiter's gravity so strong?
Its very large mass outweighs its large radius.
How do I find surface gravity on another planet?
Use g = GM/R², with the planet's mass and radius, which gives a value that depends on both.
Related topics in Gravitation & Orbits
Orbital precession · Galaxy and cosmic structure · Space elevators and tethers · Spacecraft launch energy