Feb 2, 2024 · The sun is an ordinary star, one of about 100 billion in our galaxy, the Milky Way. The sun has extremely important influences on our planet: It drives weather, ocean currents, seasons, and climate, and makes plant life possible through photosynthesis.

Oct 19, 2023 · The sun is the closest star to Earth. Even at a distance of 150 million kilometers (93 million miles), its gravitational pull holds the planet in orbit. It radiates light and heat, or solar energy, which makes it possible for life to exist on Earth. Plants need sunlight to grow.

Dec 3, 2024 · The sun keeps the planets in its orbit with a tremendous gravitational force. What would happen if it disappeared entirely? Learn about the star at the center of our solar system, and how it is critical to all life as we know it.

The solar system includes everything that is gravitationally drawn into the sun's orbit. Use these resources to learn about the work of National Geographic Explorers including Munazza Alam, Cynthia Chiang and Sophie Dia Pegrum, and to teach students about the objects and relationships within our solar system.

Apr 3, 2024 · Solar energy is constantly flowing away from the sun and throughout the solar system. Solar energy warms Earth, causes wind and weather, and sustains plant and animal life. The energy, heat, and light from the sun flow away in the form of electromagnetic radiation (EMR).

Aug 29, 2024 · The September 2021 issue of National Geographic Magazine includes an article and poster providing scientists’ latest understanding of our solar system, especially the small objects discovered in the far reaches beyond Pluto.

Test your knowledge of the sun with this fun Kahoot! Education. Sign In. Menu. Donate. INTERACTIVE. INTERACTIVE. Space: The Sun. Space: The Sun. Test your knowledge of the sun with this fun Kahoot! Grades. ... National Geographic Headquarters 1145 17th Street NW Washington, DC 20036. ABOUT. National Geographic Society NatGeo.com News and Impact ...

Unlike solar cells, which use sunlight to generate electricity, concentrating solar power technology uses the sun’s heat. Lenses or mirrors focus sunlight into a small beam that can be used to operate a boiler.

As a global nonprofit, the National Geographic Society is committed to supporting Explorers whose work inspires all of us to take action for our planet and its people.

Sep 17, 2024 · Find east and west by observing the sun in the morning and afternoon. Tell students that they are going to observe where the sun is each morning and afternoon for five days. Take students outside first thing in the morning and at the end of the school day and have them observe where the sun is in the sky.