The Sun is really big and its gravity influences all objects in the solar system.

The Sun has a radius of about 435,000 miles (700,000 kilometers) and is 100 times wider than Earth and 10 times wider than Jupiter. At the center of the solar system, the Sun’s gravity influences the orbits of planets, comets, asteroids, and moons. The motions of these objects cause phenomena on Earth that include seasons, lunar phases, and solar and lunar eclipses.

Topics: lunar eclipse, lunar phases, Newton's Law of Gravity, seasons, solar eclipse, solar system, transits

NGSS: PS2, ESS1

Image Credits: NASA/SDO

Framework for Heliophysics Education

Big Idea 1.1

The giant, orange Sun dominates the right side of the image. Variations in dark and light orange show the dynamic surface of the Sun. A giant solar prominence loops off of the Sun to the left. A size comparison shows a tiny Earth above the prominence.

Have learners investigate this heliophysics big idea with the guiding questions below.

  • Sun, 335 angstrom UV

    Introductory Learner (K-5)

    What causes the changes we observe in the sky each day, month, and year, i.e. light, shadows, and positions of objects?

  • yellow image of the Sun

    Intermediate Learner (6-8)

    How do gravitational forces in the Sun-Earth-Moon system cause seasons, eclipses, and lunar phases?

  • An image of the Sun shows a bright flash in the bottom right side where a solar flare erupts.

    Advanced Learner (9-12+)

    Why don't we experience an eclipse each month?

FRAMEWORK FOR HELIOPHYSICS EDUCATION

Heliophysics Resource Database

Use the guiding questions above to explore resources at each level or go directly to our database to search for resources by level, NGSS performance expectation, topic, and mission.

Resource Database
In this animated GIF, a small portion of the Sun appears green. A bright white flash suddenly appears on the edge of the Sun.
On Nov. 4, 2003, this solar flare saturated the X-ray detectors on several Sun-observing spacecraft.
NASA/ESA/SOHO