How Does the Sun Behave? (Grades K-4)

[NASA]

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How Does the Sun Behave? (Grades K-4)

This article is for students grades K-4.

The Sun is a star. It is the biggest object in our solar system. The Sun is about 93 million miles away from Earth and about 4.5 billion years old. The Sun affects Earth’s weather, seasons, climate, and more. Let’s learn about how the Sun behaves.

Why is the Sun warm and bright?

The Sun is a giant ball made of hydrogen and helium gases. Deep in the center of the Sun, hydrogen atoms are pressed together. This forms helium. When this happens, energy is released. That energy is the heat and light we feel and see all the way here on Earth.

Hydrogen atoms are pressed together to form helium. This releases energy in the form of heat and light.

Does the Sun ever change?

Sometimes, the Sun is very active. It gives off a lot of energy. Other times, it is quieter. It gives off less energy. This pattern is called the solar cycle. One solar cycle lasts about 11 years.

Scientists call the time when the Sun is active “solar maximum.” During this time, we see darker, cooler spots on the Sun’s surface. These are called sunspots. When the Sun is less active, scientists call that “solar minimum.”

Scientists call the time when the Sun is active “solar maximum.” When the Sun is less active, scientists call that “solar minimum.”

Does the Sun have a north pole?

Yes! Just like Earth, the Sun has north and south magnetic poles. But every 11 years, the Sun’s poles flip. North becomes south and south becomes north.

Every 11 years, the Sun’s poles flip. North becomes south and south becomes north.

What is space weather?

Space weather includes things like solar wind, solar storms, and solar flares. When the Sun is active, these things can have an impact on Earth and in space.

Let’s learn more about space weather and how it affects our planet.

What is solar wind?

The solar wind is a constant wave of particles flowing out into space from the Sun’s surface. It travels deep into space. When the solar wind reaches Earth, its particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field. This causes colorful streams of moving light at Earth’s north and south poles. These are called auroras or the northern and southern lights.

When the solar wind from the Sun reaches Earth, its particles interact with Earth’s magnetic field. This causes colorful streams of moving light at Earth’s north and south poles.

What are solar storms and solar flares?

The Sun’s magnetic fields are always moving. They twist and stretch. Sometimes they snap and reconnect. When this happens, it releases a burst of energy. This can cause a solar storm.

Solar storms can include solar flares. A solar flare is a blast of light and energy from the Sun’s surface. They usually erupt near sunspots. Solar flares happen more often during solar maximum and less often during solar minimum.  

A solar flare is a blast of light and energy from the Sun’s surface.

How does space weather affect Earth?

Earth is protected from most space weather. Our atmosphere and magnetic field act like a shield. But strong solar storms can still cause problems. Areas might lose electricity. Radios might not work. Satellites can be damaged. NASA keeps an eye on space weather. If strong storms are predicted, teams work to protect spacecraft and astronauts in space.

How are we learning more about the Sun?

A space probe is a robot that explores space. They often visit other planets, moons, or asteroids and comets that also orbit the Sun. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe launched to the Sun in 2018. The Parker Solar Probe is on a special mission. It flies very close to the Sun to collect information. This will help scientists learn new things about the Sun and how it affects life on Earth.

Visit these websites to read more about the Sun:

• https://science.nasa.gov/sun/facts/
• https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/menu/sun/
• https://www.nasa.gov/stem-content/our-very-own-star-the-sun/

Read NASA Knows: How Does the Sun Behave? (Grades 5-8).

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