Earth and Space Section 3

The Sun The Sun is one of the many stars in the Milky Way galaxy. Not the biggest star, but it is the closest star to Earth. The Sun is essential for all life. Solar energy powers the water cycle. The Sun provides heat on Earth. Light from the Sun reaches Earth in around 8 minutes. Provides green plants the ingredient necessary for photosynthesis. Around 74% of the Sun’s mass is made up of hydrogen. Helium makes up around 24% while heavier elements such as oxygen, carbon, iron and neon make up the remaining percentage. Because of its size, it has a strong gravitational pull. It keeps the Earth, the stars, the moons and the other planets in line. Without the gravity of the Sun, the Earth would go spinning off into space. The Sun controls our seasons