The Sun The Sun The Sun

Characteristics of the Sun The sun is the closest star to Earth It is a medium-sized star The sun is made of the gases hydrogen and helium.

Characteristics of the Sun The sun is NOT solid like the Earth The sun is 4.5 billion years old It is at the center of our solar system.

Characteristics of the Sun It provides heat and light to the Earth so life is possible. Before clocks, people used a tool called a sundial and the sun to tell time.

Parts of the Sun The Corona Corona means “crown” in Spanish. This is the “haze” or “rays” you see around the sun. The best time to see the corona is during an eclipse as shown in this photo.

Parts of the sun Sunspots These are the dark spots that appear on the sun’s surface. These spots are cooler than the rest of the sun. They are NOT cold spots. Sunspots are not permanent. They change position often.

Parts of the Sun Solar Flares These are sudden, outbursts of energy from an area of the sun’s surface. Sometimes they loop, like in the 1st picture. Sometimes they stream out, like in the 2nd picture.

What does the Sun do for us? The Sun provides the heat energy to create and continue the water cycle. It heats the water that evaporates into the air.

What does the Sun do for us? Most of Earth’s evaporation occurs over the oceans. The sun then condenses the water, and it precipites (rains) back onto Earth.

What does the Sun do for us? The Sun is also the primary source of energy in the food chain. Its light energy starts the photosynthesis process which is how plants make their own food.

What does the sun do for us? Consumers,which are animals and people, can eat the plants and receive energy. Without the sun, there would be no life on Earth.