What makes this world interesting
The photosphere is the visible luminous layer. Above it lie the chromosphere and the corona. Sunspots, flares and the solar wind reveal its magnetic activity. The Sun has no solid surface.
The portal / Solar System / The Sun
Star
The Sun
Our star, the source of light
A star of plasma whose gravity structures the Solar System. Its energy comes from nuclear fusion in its core.
- Diameter
- ≈ 1,4 million km
- Photosphere
- ≈ 5 500 °C
- Core
- ≈ 15 million °C
Observe or explore it
Observing requires a suitable solar filter, securely fitted over the front of the instrument and checked before use. Eclipse glasses do not make an unfiltered telescope or binoculars safe. Never use an eyepiece solar filter.
Connect the discoveries
Sources and reference information
Rounded educational data, sources consulted on 18 October 2026. Orbital distances are mean reference distances from the Sun, not current distances from Earth. Periods are expressed in Earth time. The planner provides date-specific positions for supported targets.
From its temperature to its light. Explore a model of solar radiation →