How was Jupiter formed?

Answer 1

The formation of the ice giants, Neptune and Uranus, has proven difficult to model precisely. Current models suggest that the matter density in the outer regions of the Solar System was too low to account for the formation of such large bodies from the traditionally accepted method of core acceration , and various hypotheses have been advanced to explain their creation. One is that the ice giants were not created by core accretion but from instabilities within the original protoplantery disc, and later had their atmospheres blasted away by radiation from a nearby massive OB star.

An alternative concept is that they formed closer to the Sun, where the matter density was higher, and then subsequently migrated to their current orbits after the removal of the gaseous protoplanetary disc. This hypothesis of migration after formation is currently favoured, due to its ability to better explain the occupancy of the populations of small objects observed in the trans-Neptunian region. The current most widely accepted explanation of the details of this hypothesis is known as the nice model, which explores the effect of a migrating Neptune and the other giant planets on the structure of the Kuiper belt.

Answer 2

Jupiter was formed along with rest of the planets soon after the protosun came into life. At a point called the "Ice or frost line" -- around where the asteroid belt is today - hydrogen became cold enough to condense into solid ice grains where the accretion of planetesimals could begin. It is for this reason that the gas giants are further from the Sun than the inner, terrestrial planets.

It was believed that this was always the case, however, other Suns have shown gas giants close to the Sun [Hot Jupiters -- See related link]. These are now thought to have formed outside of the frost line, and have been attracted or dislodged into their current positions.

Answer 3

Jupiter formed the same time as the rest of the solar system did 4.6 billion years ago. A rocky core coalesced and then hydrogen and helium was attracted gravitationally to the core and thus...Jupiter was born.
(http://answers.Yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20081208001349AAL4A9m)

Answer 4

it was formed about 4.5 billion years
Gas and debris from the solar disk.

Answer 5

Theory suggests that a massive meteor or asteroid caused the Hurricane or Red Spot on Jupiter.

Answer 6

Like all the other planets