What determines the radius of the Sun?

What determines the radius of the Sun?
What determines the radius of the Sun?

Video: What determines the radius of the Sun?

Video: What determines the radius of the Sun?
Video: What if Earth was Given the Radius of the Sun? | Universe Sandbox 2024, May
Anonim

Our entire universe revolves around a single star. The radius of the Sun determines its power and weight, and, accordingly, the force of attraction that it has. The structure of the Sun is no different from any other star of the same class. There are thousands of stars like it, even in our galaxy. But it gives us warmth, light and life.

sun radius
sun radius

The Sun, like any other star, was formed from a cloud of hydrogen that was in space. Hydrogen began to collect in the middle of the cloud and, under the influence of gravity from friction, heat up until the thermonuclear reactor, which is the Sun, started up. Hydrogen, which was in the surrounding space, was also attracted by the young star, and planets and other cosmic bodies were formed from heavier elements. This is how the history of the origin of the solar system looks like in a nutshell. It is worth noting that the Earth owes its birth to a supernova, which gave heavy elements for the formation of planets. It is still a young star (by astronomical standards), the age of the Sun is only 4.5 billion years. And thismeans that our star will keep us warm for a long time.

The age of the sun
The age of the sun

Since this celestial body is essentially a fusion reactor, its size affects the amount of fuel it has. That is, the radius of the Sun determines the duration of its life. But do not worry, because, according to the most conservative calculations, hydrogen reserves will last for another 6 billion years, and after that the celestial body will begin to burn helium, which will be enough for another several billion years. And during this time, humanity will either master other star systems, or figure out how to extend the life of its star.

Now many people are interested in studying the Sun, as it is an inexhaustible source of energy, unlike traditional sources such as coal and oil. Scientists are also interested in the fusion reaction itself, which occurs inside the Sun. Indeed, unlike nuclear energy, this star receives its energy from the creation of new atoms, and not from decay. The possibility of obtaining such energy in terrestrial conditions could solve many problems, including the problem of environmental pollution.

The structure of the sun
The structure of the sun

Stars keep their secrets well, and thermonuclear reaction remains only a dream. "Daylight", which looks small in the sky, continues to warm us. After all, the radius of the Sun is 109 times greater than the radius of the Earth, and hundreds of such bodies as our planet can fit inside it. But the main "furnace", thanks to which the celestial body shines, is slightly larger than the Earth, allthe rest is the reserves of fuel that the star holds due to gravity.

Scientists cannot accurately calculate the radius of the Sun, since it does not have the exact shape of a ball, and measurements in different places can give different results.

But it doesn't really matter to the average person. Because there is no need for greater joy than just seeing the sunlight in the morning. This confirms the fact that almost all earthly religions originated from sun worshipers. Even our ancestors knew that the Sun is the main source of life.

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