Book 8, Question 51
Why Is the Sun a Star, Not a Planet?
The Sun is a star because it makes its own light! Deep inside, it fuses hydrogen and releases gigantic energy. Planets don't do that.
More fun facts
- The Sun is a star, so it has no moons of its own. Instead, the planets and their moons orbit it.
- The Sun is about 10 times wider than Jupiter, the biggest planet.
- Even so, it is only a medium-sized star.
- Solar flares are huge bursts of light and particles set off by magnetic energy on the Sun.
- Life on Earth is possible only because of the Sun's light and energy.
Sources: NASA Science
Questions kids ask
Does the Sun have moons?
No. As a star, it has planets orbiting it instead.