The Sun & Seasons

Today's Earth science class

THE SUN and seasons

• The center of the solar system

• Holds all planets in orbit by its gravity

• Made of gas: 70% hydrogen, 30% helium

• The distance from the Earth to the sun is called an Astronomical Unit.

• It takes light 8 minutes to travel this distance.

Objectives:

Students will be able to...

WARM-UP Question (4/26)

• List and discuss the basic properties of the sun.

How does the sun compare to Earth?

What is the sun like?

Why is the sun important for us?

Q:

What is the closest star to Earth?

You will find answers to questions such as...

Cool Down Question (3/26)

A:

Q:

The SUN. (Alpha Centari is the next closest at 4.4 light years away.

Why is the sun important for us?

A:

Today's Earth science class

You will find answers to questions such as...

The sun provides the energy needed for life.

What is the sun like?

Why is the sum important for us?

The sun

Our average middle aged yellow star contains more than 99% of all the matter in the solar system.

Sun's Properties

• 108-109 times the diameter of earth

• Provides almost all energy found on Earth.

• Mass is 300,000 times greater than Earth

• Density = 1/4 that of Earth - reason why less than Earth is it is a ball of gas.

• Distance from Earth = 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers.