How Big Is the Sun
The Sun is 864,000 miles (1,392,000 km) in diameter, which is 109 times wider than Earth. This massive size means the Sun contains 99.86% of the Solar System's mass, equivalent to about 330,000 Earths. The Sun is so big that it dominates our Solar System, highlighting its enormous scale in comparison to other celestial bodies.
Sun's size and mass
Diameter and volume
- Diameter of the sun: The Sun has a diameter of 864,000 miles (1,392,000 km)
- Sun size comparison to Earth: The Sun is 109 times wider than Earth
- Volume: The Sun's volume is approximately 1.4 x 10^27 cubic meters, showcasing how big the sun truly is
Mass
- Total mass: The Sun's mass is approximately 1,988,550,000,000,000,000,000 kg (1.99 x 10^30 kg)
- Sun size comparison in mass: The Sun's mass is equivalent to about 330,000 Earths
- Solar System percentage: The Sun contains 99.86% of the Solar System's total mass, emphasizing how big the sun is
Sun's composition
Elements
- Hydrogen: The Sun is composed of approximately 65% hydrogen by mass
- Helium: Helium makes up about 35% of the Sun's mass
- Other elements: Trace amounts of heavier elements are also present
State of matter
- Plasma: The Sun is primarily a superheated ball of plasma, not a burning gas, contributing to its enormous size
- Core: The Sun's core is a liquid metal with temperatures reaching 15 million degrees Celsius
Sun size comparison to other stars
- Average size: When considering how big the sun is, it's classified as an average-sized star
- Larger stars: There are 100+ stars bigger than the Sun in the Milky Way galaxy, providing context for the sun's size
- Smaller stars: There are stars 10 times smaller than the Sun, offering another sun size comparison
- Largest known star: The largest recorded star, R136a1, has a volume 27,000 times greater than the Sun, illustrating the vast range in stellar sizes
FAQ
How big is the sun compared to Earth?
The Sun is massive, with a diameter 109 times wider than Earth. Its mass is equivalent to about 330,000 Earths, and it contains 99.86% of the Solar System's total mass.
What is the diameter of the sun?
The diameter of the sun is 864,000 miles (1,392,000 km).
How does the sun's size compare to other stars?
The Sun is considered an average-sized star. There are over 100 stars larger than the Sun in the Milky Way galaxy, and some stars are 10 times smaller. The largest known star, R136a1, has a volume 27,000 times greater than the Sun.
What is the sun's composition, and how does it relate to its size?
The Sun is composed of approximately 65% hydrogen and 35% helium by mass, with trace amounts of heavier elements. It exists as a superheated ball of plasma, which contributes to its enormous size and energy output.
How does the sun's size affect its role in the Solar System?
The Sun's massive size allows it to contain 99.86% of the Solar System's total mass. This immense gravitational influence keeps planets, asteroids, and comets in orbit and provides the energy that sustains life on Earth.
Was this article helpful?