The Sun

The Sun is a huge ball of hot, glowing gas. It sits at the center of our solar system. All the planets, including Earth, move around it. The Sun gives us light and heat. Without the Sun, life on Earth could not exist.

What the Sun Is Made Of

The Sun is mostly made of two gases called hydrogen and helium. Deep inside, these gases get squeezed together to make energy. This energy travels out as light and heat. The Sun is so big that over one million Earths could fit inside it.

Why the Sun Matters

The Sun helps plants grow by giving them light. Plants then feed animals and people. The Sun also warms our planet so it is not too cold. It even helps make wind and weather on Earth.

Fun Facts

• The Sun is about 93 million miles away from Earth.
• Light from the Sun takes about 8 minutes to reach Earth.
• The Sun is around 4.6 billion years old.

Did You Know?

The Sun looks yellow from Earth, but in space it actually looks white!