SpaceForAll

The sun is the star at the center of the solar system and is by far the most massive object in the solar system, comprising 99.86% of the total mass. It is classified as a G-type main-sequence star, which means it is a yellow dwarf star, with a surface temperature of approximately 5,500 degrees Celsius. The sun is approximately 4.6 billion years old and is expected to continue to shine for another 5 billion years before exhausting its fuel and evolving into a red giant star. Its diameter is about 1.39 million kilometers, making it about 109 times larger than Earth. The sun's energy is produced by nuclear fusion, in which hydrogen atoms combine to form helium, releasing large amounts of energy in the process. This energy is radiated into space as light and heat, which is essential for life on Earth. The sun's magnetic field also plays an important role in the solar system, driving space weather and influencing the behavior of planets, asteroids, and comets. Observations of the sun have been crucial for understanding the laws of physics and the behavior of stars. Scientists use telescopes and other instruments to study the sun's surface, atmosphere, and interior to learn more about its structure, dynamics, and evolution.