Heat and light energy is created all the time in the sun’s core as a result of gas explosions or nuclear reactions. Now, 'matter' means what something is made of.Īnd hydrogen creates all the sun’s energy. So the main gas is hydrogen, which accounts for 90% of the sun’s matter. So it’s roughly 90% hydrogen, it’s maybe 8% helium, and the rest of it’s made up of things like iron, carbon, oxygen, nickel.
And we measure it… it’s made mostly of hydrogen. Louise Harra, Professor of Solar Physics at UCL Mullard Space Science But now let’s listen to Professor of Solar Physics Louise Harra to discover what the sun is made of. Well, we'll find out if you're right or wrong later on. So I’m going to go for 1.5 million degrees. But … I think it must be a bit cooler than the core. So Neil, can you answer this question: How hot is the surface of the sun? Now I’ll help you out by telling you that the sun’s core – that’s the centre – is a blistering five million degrees Celsius. That’s amazing! It’s also incredibly hot. Its volume is so large you could fit a million Earths inside it. And life on Earth couldn’t exist without its warmth and light.Īnd we should mention… the sun is absolutely massive. Earth is one of nine planets that orbit – or circle around – the sun. The sun is our nearest star – although it’s a staggering 150 million kilometres away. Now the reason I mentioned sunbathing is because we’re discussing the sun in this programme.
Hmm, yes, you look a bit orange actually.
I do indeed! I love sitting in my deckchair in the garden, catching some rays… Not a cloud in the sky! Spring is definitely here! Now, Neil, you’re a bit of a sun worshipper, aren’t you? You like sunbathing… Hello, Neil, and what a glorious sunny day it is today. Note: This is not a word-for-word transcript What something is made of: solid, liquid or gas The ability of a physical object or process to work VocabularyĬircle around a bigger object, for example another planet or star Listen to the programme to find out the answer. How hot is the surface of the sun? Now I’ll help you out by telling you that the sun’s core – that’s the centre – is a blistering five million degrees Celsius. We promise you won’t be blinded with science! Rob and Neil put on their sunglasses to find out more about this special star and teach some related vocabulary. It warms our planet and gives us light – and astronomers have been fascinated with it for hundreds of years. What is the sun? It’s a massive ball of gas and plasma 93 million miles away that’s been shining for four and a half billion years. English at Work (intermediate) Business.Tim's Pronunciation Workshop (intermediate) Pronunciation.The Sounds of English (basic+) Pronunciation.Friday Phrase (intermediate) Vocabulary.6 Minute Vocabulary (intermediate) Vocabulary.The English We Speak (intermediate) Vocabulary.6 Minute English (intermediate+) Vocabulary.English in a Minute (intermediate+) Vocabulary.Towards advanced grammar reference Grammar.The Grammar Gameshow (intermediate+) Grammar.6 Minute Grammar (intermediate) Grammar.English at University (Intermediate) Features.5 days to improve your pronunciation Courses.5 days to become a better listener Courses.