the sun. the sun is our most important star because: – provides energy for plants and animals –...
TRANSCRIPT
The Sun
The Sun
• The Sun is our most important star because:– Provides energy for plants and animals– Its gravitational pull keeps us in orbit
• Produces energy through nuclear fusion– Temperature and pressure so high inside the
sun that substances fuse (join together)– This produces lots of energy
Nuclear Fusion
The Sun
• Has been producing energy for 5 billion years.
• It is estimated that the Sun will continue to produce energy for another 5 billion years until its fuel runs out.
• Is made up of:– Hydrogen (75%)– Helium (25%)
• Solar flares emit charged particles that:– Travel more slowly than light– Are focused on Earth at the north and
south poles– Interfere with radio wave transmissions– Produce Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights)