The Sun

The Sun is the star at the centre of the solar system, around which the astronomical bodies orbit. It accounts for 99.86% of the Solar System's mass.

The Sun

Diameter: 1,391,000 km
Mass: 333,000 Earths
Composition: Hydrogen & helium
Atmosphere: N/A
Surface Temperature: Approx 5505 °C
Year length: N/A
Day length: N/A

  • The Sun is almost perfectly spherical.
  • It is composed mainly of hydrogen with the remainder mostly helium.
  • Formed about 4.57 billion years ago, the Sun is currently what is known as a “Yellow Dwarf” and is halfway through its main-sequence stage, with another 5 billion years left to burn before it dies.
  • The surface temperature of the Sun is approximately 5505 °C, with this colossal output of energy powering most of the life on Earth.
  • The name “Sun” is derived from the old English “sunne”, possibly originating from “south”.
  • The Latin for Sun is “Sol”, which is displayed in “Solar System”.