What’s Up
Sun Facts
Sure, the Sun is that big bright thing you see in the sky every day. But it’s a lot more than that!
It’s the center of our Solar System, and, without it, our planet would be just a hard, cold rock. No people, plants, or animals could live here. Everything needs the warmth and light of the sun to live. But too much sun can be bad for us, too.
What does the Sun really do? It is a big ball of gases, and it gives off energy in the form of light and heat.
Energy is measured in waves, like the waves on the ocean. Some waves are short and fast; others are long and slow. This is called “wavelength.” The energy in sunlight covers a wide range of wavelengths, from ultraviolet radiation, through the visible light spectrum (the light we can see), and on to infrared radiation.
(Image source: SOHO Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope, full field HEII304. Image from NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.)
Hey, it’s Cool in the Shade.
Protect your skin. Protect yourself.
Some pages on this website are created and maintained by kids—members of Texas 4-H.