By Bethenny Watters | Updated March 24, 2022

A century‑long storm dominates Jupiter’s cloud bands, making the planet a striking swirl of red, brown and white. With 39 known moons—four of which are commonly shown in models—Jupiter offers an exciting challenge for hands‑on planet building. This guide shows how to recreate the gas giant and its four largest moons using simple Styrofoam balls and acrylic paint.

Materials

• 1 × 4½‑inch Styrofoam ball (Jupiter)
• 1 × 3‑inch Styrofoam ball (Ganymede)
• 1 × 2½‑inch Styrofoam ball (Callisto)
• 1 × 2‑inch Styrofoam ball (Io)
• 1 × 1‑inch Styrofoam ball (Europa)
• Acrylic paints: red, brown, tan, white, gold, gray, blue
• Paintbrushes
• Dowels (four lengths)
• Old newspapers or drop cloth (optional)
• Blow dryer (cool setting) – optional for faster drying

Step 1 – Paint the Planet and Moons

Paint the 4½‑inch ball in alternating bands of red, brown and tan to mimic Jupiter’s cloud belts. Let it dry. Then finish each moon: Io – white with gold specks; Europa – tan with white smudges; Ganymede – gray with white spots; Callisto – blue with white stars. Allow all pieces to dry completely before assembly.

Step 2 – Prepare the Dowels

Cut four dowel rods to different lengths so each moon sits at a distinct distance from the planet. The shortest rod will connect Io (closest moon), followed by Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto.

Step 3 – Assemble the Model

1. Attach the Io ball to Jupiter with the shortest dowel.
2. Connect Europa using the next‑shortest dowel.
3. Secure Ganymede with the third dowel.
4. Finish with Callisto on the longest dowel.

Tips for a Clean Build

Place a drop cloth under your work area to catch overspray. If paint dries slowly, use a blow dryer on the cool setting to speed the process.

TL;DR

Paint four Styrofoam balls to represent Jupiter and its four moons, cut dowels to separate distances, then attach and dry for a quick planetary model.