Is the potential energy in space?

Therefore, the potential energy of an object has to be absolute, a constant in some sense. The (gravitational) potential energy is a function of position so it varies as objects move around in space. ... The (positive) kinetic energy is therefore a lot greater near Jupiter's surface to keep the total energy constant. read more

Gravitational potential energy is energy an object possesses because of its position in a gravitational field. The most common use of gravitational potential energy is for an object near the surface of the Earth where the gravitational acceleration can be assumed to be constant at about 9.8 m/s 2. read more

Therefore, the potential energy of an object has to be absolute, a constant in some sense. The (gravitational) potential energy is a function of position so it varies as objects move around in space. read more

So, if there is no net gravitational force (i.e., the forces balance) at some location in space, that just means that the potential energy is locally constant, not that it is zero. read more