The planet Jupiter is referred to as a gas giant, because the matter that makes it up is almost entirely in gaseous form. It has no solid form like many of the other planets in our solar system. Jupiter consists primarily of hydrogen and helium. By volume, the hydrogen distribution ranges from 71-90%, while we will find anywhere from 10-24% helium. There are also traces of other materials to be found. These include methane, water vapour, ammonia, silicon-based compounds and others.