The Sun — Astronomy, 4–6 years
The Sun is a star close enough to give Earth light and warmth. Astronomy, 4–6 years.
Our nearest star
The Sun is not a lamp fixed in the sky; it is a huge, hot star. It is much farther away than the Moon, but it is close to Earth compared with other stars. Its light travels to us and makes daytime bright and the ground warm.
Why does the Sun matter?
Without the Sun, Earth would be dark and much colder. Plants use sunlight to grow, and plants feed many animals and people. We learned to notice the Sun because its position changes shadows, light and warmth throughout the day.
A warm patch
Put two identical stones outside, one in sunlight and one in shade, for 30 minutes. Touch them carefully with an adult: the sunny stone is usually warmer. Both began in the same air, so the difference shows that sunlight can warm a surface.
Never look straight at it
It is reasonable to want to look at the Sun because it is bright and interesting, like a lamp. But the Sun is far more powerful than any household lamp, and its light can hurt the eyes even when it does not feel painful at once. Use a shadow or an adult-approved safe viewer instead.
Light for living things
Sunlight helps a plant grow leaves and make food for itself. That plant can then become food for a caterpillar, a bird or us. Solar warmth also dries wet clothes and helps warm homes, though people use shade and covers when the heat is too strong.
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