Sun Facts | Facts about Suns

How much energy can the sun provide?

According to the American Solar Energy Society, enough sunlight falls on the earth's surface each minute to meet world energy demand for an entire year.

One of lightning's many surprises

Lightning reaches 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, fours times as hot as the sun's surface. Yet, unlike high voltage electrical injuries with which massive internal tissue damage may occur, lightning seldom causes substantial burns.

What is the altitude of the sun relative to Earth ?

The altitude of the sun varies throughout the year. On December 21st (sometimes the 22nd) the sun is 20 degrees above the horizon, it's lowest point of the year. On June 21st (sometimes the 20th) the sun is 65 degrees above the horizon, it's highest point of the year.

Do you know what days these are? They are the winter & summer solstice.

How are rainbows made?

Rainbows are a result of the sun's white light being broken up into it's component colors through the prism of a raindrop. This division of white light into its component colors is called Dispersion. The light is often double-reflected on either side of the raindrop before exiting and headed your way.
The color of a light wave see depends on the frequency of the light wave entering your eyes.

This explains why we see the colors of a rainbow, but how come all the colors line up next to each other? Since different frequency light waves bounce and reflect differently meaning that the different colors line up coming at a slightly different angle from each other. (note: the frequency of a wave is the number of cycles of a wave to pass some point in one second. )

What is up with the sun?

The sun is 93,000,000 miles from earth. It takes the suns rays 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach the earth, traveling at a rate of 186,282 miles per second.

What are the most abundant chemicals in the universe and earth?

Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical in the universe and oxygen is the most abundant chemical element in the earths crust, water and atmosphere.

How long is a year?

The exact length of time for the earth to rotate around the sun is 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes and 46 seconds

Fun facts about venus

Venus is the second closest planet to the sun between Earth and Mercury. Venus is named after the Roman goddess of love and beauty.