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Our Sun
Beginner
A main-sequence star powered by fusion.
A G-type main-sequence star of 2×10³⁰ kg, 5772 K surface, luminosity 3.8×10²⁶ W; about 4.6 billion years old with ~5 billion left. Fusion at the core (15 million K).
Light takes 8.3 minutes to reach Earth.
99.86% of the solar system's mass.
In more detail
The Sun is a main-sequence star that fuses hydrogen into helium in its core. It has a surface temperature of about 5800 K and has been shining for about 4.6 billion years.
Real-world uses
- Solar energy powers life and drives weather on Earth.
- Solar physics helps predict space weather and its effects.
- Solar scientists use the Sun as a laboratory for studying fusion, magnetic fields and space weather.
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Frequently asked questions
How long will the Sun shine?
About 5 billion more years, before it expands into a red giant.
What is the Sun made of?
Mostly hydrogen and helium, with small amounts of heavier elements.
How long will the Sun keep shining?
Roughly another five billion years, before it expands into a red giant.
Related topics in Particle Physics & Cosmology
Grand unified theories · Supersymmetry · String theory · Stellar life cycle · Hertzsprung–Russell diagram · Stellar nucleosynthesis