VIVA – Sun is the star that is the center solar system our. It is a massive ball of gas and plasma that generates its own energy through nuclear fusion in its core. As our only star, it is the only source of natural light in the entire solar system. The planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and other objects in the solar system orbit the Sun.
The only exceptions are the moons, which, in turn, orbit planets, dwarf planets, and even asteroids. However, the moon is as dependent on the Sun as any other object. Well, for those of you who are increasingly curious, here are the unique facts of the Sun that are summarized VIVA from the page The Planets.
1. The reason the sun is so important
The planet Mars faces the Sun.
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The sun is important for many reasons. Planets, asteroids, comets and other astronomical objects remain in their orbits due to the gravity of the Sun. As the largest object in the solar system, it holds everything in place.
2. The role of the sun for Earth
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On Earth, the influence of the Sun is vital. It drives life on our planet and without it, we would not exist. Plants and animals both depend on the Sun for food. Plants make food through the process of photosynthesis. Together with water and carbon dioxide, the Sun helps plants make glucose. Glucose is a type of sugar that serves as food for plants.
In addition, another result of photosynthesis is oxygen released by plants. In turn, we man breathe oxygen which is vital for us to live. This is why plants are often referred to as the “lungs of the world”. Plants in the oceans such as phytoplankton and seaweed also use sunlight for photosynthesis.
Through them, the oceans produce more than half of the world’s oxygen. The oceans also absorb most of the carbon dioxide on Earth. The sun is also a major driver of Earth’s weather system, as well as currents in our oceans. Heat from the Sun is distributed unevenly on Earth.
Areas around the equator receive more direct sunlight and are therefore warmer than places near the poles. Heat from the equator moves towards the poles and produces currents. This movement transports nutrients in the oceans and helps regulate climate.
3. The Sun and Humans
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For us humans, the cycle of day and night is the basis of how we go about our daily activities. We are considered diurnal creatures because we are active during the day. Sunrise signals the start of our day and sunsets tell us that it is time to rest.
Apart from setting our body clock, the Sun also has direct benefits for our overall health. It is good for bones and helps improve our well-being. Our bodies produce Vitamin D through exposure to direct sunlight.
It also helps in producing serotonin, a hormone that improves our mood and makes us feel more energetic. However, as with all things, moderation is key here as too much sun exposure can also cause sunburn.
4. The Sun Was Once Worshiped
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The solar halo phenomenon seen in the sky of Banda Aceh, Tuesday, March 12, 2019
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Throughout human history the Sun has been feared and worshiped. That’s right. What our ancestors knew at a basic level is that the Sun provides the vital elements for most life on Earth.
Without the energy provided through sunlight, vegetation cannot grow, and without vegetation, animals have no source of food. However, what we know today is that our ancestors did not know how far the influence of the Sun was.
As our scientific knowledge increases, so does our understanding that the Earth is only part of the larger structure we know as the Solar System. What was also discovered was that although the planets and other objects in the Solar System may not have life, the Sun is just as influential to them.
5. The influence of the sun
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The influence of the Sun in our lives is all-encompassing. Most importantly, it enables photosynthesis, which is how plants make their food. The sun is also responsible for wind, weather changes, ocean currents, and almost everything that makes life on Earth possible.
6. The Largest Object in the Solar System
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The sun accounts for 99.86% of the mass in the solar system. It has a mass of about 330,000 times the mass of Earth. It is three-quarters of hydrogen and most of the remaining mass is helium. More than a million Earths can fit inside the Sun. If you filled the hollow Sun with a spherical Earth, about 960,000 would fit in it.
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