* Orbits the Sun: Jupiter follows a path around our Sun, just like all other planets in our solar system.
* Has sufficient mass for its self-gravity to overcome rigid body forces so that it assumes a hydrostatic equilibrium (nearly round) shape: Jupiter is massive enough that its gravity pulls it into a nearly spherical shape. While not perfectly round, it's far more spherical than any other object in its orbital neighborhood.
* Has cleared the neighborhood around its orbit: Jupiter is the dominant gravitational force in its orbital path and has cleared out most other objects from its vicinity.
While Jupiter is not a star, it is sometimes called a "failed star" because it contains primarily hydrogen and helium, the same elements found in stars. However, Jupiter lacks the mass needed to ignite nuclear fusion, the process that powers stars.
Therefore, Jupiter fulfills all the criteria set forth by the IAU, earning its classification as a planet.
