The Sun MPR

 The Sun (Questions on the following page)

The Sun is a star just like our other stars but much, much closer. It is right at the centre of our solar system. That is why it is called a solar system. The word solar means ‘relating to the Sun’. The planets in our solar system stay together because the Sun is so big its gravity keeps us all travelling around it in oval or circle shaped orbits.

Making Energy:

• The Sun gives us almost all the energy, light and heat needed for us to live on Earth.

• It uses two gases for this: hydrogen and helium.

• Energy is released at its core right in the middle of the Sun.

• The next layer is the radioactive zone which takes energy to the next layer - the convection zone. It takes about 170,000 years for the energy to move from the core to the convection zone!

• The photosphere is at the Sun’s surface and the energy gets to there from the convection zone in big bubbles. From here, the energy escapes from the sun through the outer layers and some of it comes to Earth. It takes about 8 minutes for heat to reach us from the sun.

Lifespan:

The Sun is actually a yellow dwarf star and started about 4.6 billion years ago. It shall eventually run out of energy, but don’t worry...not for over 4.5 billion years yet! Before the sun dies, it will get bigger and turn into what is called a ‘red giant’. In 1.1 billion years from now, the Sun will be 10% brighter than it is today. This will make Earth really hot and damp. 3.5 billion years from now, it will be even brighter than that: 40% brighter than it is today. This will be so hot that the oceans will boil and the ice will melt. There will be no life on Earth by then, but with astronauts and scientists already making new discoveries and exploring other planets, where do you think humans will be by then?

The Sun MICRO personal response

Comprehension strategy 1 – INFERRING Using clues from the surrounding words, work out what words are missing. stars, solar, Earth, yellow, hot, brighter,

Comprehension strategy 4 – REREADING FOR INFORMATION Answer these questions: What gases is the Sun mainly made from? Hydrogen, and helium. How long does it take energy to reach Earth from the sun? 8 minutes How far away is the Sun from Earth? 149.6 billion km What type of star is the Sun now? Yellow dwarf star What keeps our solar system of planets orbiting the Sun? The gravity Solar means ‘relating to the Sun’. Think of another example where we use the word ‘solar’ Solar panels. Will the Sun last forever? If not, why not? No because it’ll run out of energy Look at the final line - where do you think humans will be by then? I think humans will invade mars.