Named after a Roman God, Jupiter lives up to its name. It’s the biggest (more than twice as massive as all the other planets combined), fastest-spinning planet in the solar system. Jupiter’s gigantic stature allows it to act as a bouncer for the solar system. It protects smaller bodies, like Earth, from the most collisions with space debris, a variable that allows sustained life on Earth.

Although this gaseous planet is inhospitable, its remarkable kaleidoscope of clouds comprise bands and storms like the “Great Red Spot” offer a breathtaking sight. Jupiter also has the largest and most active northern lights in the solar system.

To avoid crowds at Jupiter’s main tourist attractions, visit one of Jupiter’s more than 75 moons. Of particular interest are Jupiter’s four Galilean Moons, its largest, discovered by Galileo Galilee in 1610.

Ganymede, the largest of the Galilean moons, is bigger than planets Mercury or Pluto. Another must-see Galilean moon is Europa, one of the solar system’s rare candidates for life. Don’t be fooled by the frigid, icy surface. To find life, you have to descend below Europa’s deep surface ice to a submerged watery world where alien marine life may exist. Europa is believed to feature an ocean of salt water twice the volume of Earth’s oceans combined.

But, don’t plan on that submarine trip yet. The Committee on Space Research (COSPAR) has a Planetary Protection Policy with strict sterilization requirements for spacecraft that visit places that potentially harbor extra-terrestrial life from Earth-borne contaminants.

If the cold climate of Europa doesn’t suit you, take a short trip to the Galilean moon Io, the most volcanically active celestial body in the solar system. If you’re thinking “Aloha, Hawaii,” think again. There are no palm trees or oceans, just active volcanoes and lava flows.