The dramatic appearance of Jupiter stems partia because the composition of Jupiter's atmosphere includes complicated molecules such as methane and amonia, as well as simple molecules such as helium, hydrogen, and sulfur. The atmosphere of Jupiter is only a narrow surface layer, compared to the vast of the planet.

Jupiter is not much changed from its early evolution out of the early solar nebula, and in fact, may still be forming!

The Giant planets do not have the same layered structure that the terrestrial planets do. Their evolution was quite different than that of the terrestrial planets, and they have less solid material. The composition is nearly made of all molecules. Motions in the interior of Jupiter contribute in a very special way to the development of the powerful and extensive magnetosphere of Jupiter.