The Sun's Size
The Sun's diameter: Amazingly, from the left to the right side of the Sun is about 864,576 miles
(1,391,400 km), with a circumference greater than 2.716 million miles (4.371 million km)! Earth has a diameter of about 7,926 miles (12,756 km) and a circumference of about 24,901 miles (40,075 km).
Observation from Earth When observing the Sun from here on Earth, it is easy to assume that it is a very bright yet small light in outer space that generates light and heat for us. After all, its size appears smaller than a water bottle cap when held at arms-length. However, its size is massive! It is an enormous ball of gas and plasma consisting primarily of hydrogen and helium. It has a diameter of approximately 864,576 miles (1,391,400 km) and a circumference of about 2.716 million miles (4.371 million km). The Sun's average distance from us here on Earth is 92,955,807.27 miles (149,597,870.7 km); therefore, we can easily assume that it is small due to its distance.
Grasping The Size of The Sun by Examples Although the following examples are impossible and completely exaggerated ways to traverse across the Sun's diameter and circumnavigate its equator in an airplane and automobile, they may help us grasp the Sun's massive size. We will assume an unlimited fuel supply for our aircraft and automobile, traveling nonstop 24/7.
How Long to Cross The Sun's Diameter? A Boeing 777 has a typical cruising speed of 562 mph (904 km/h) at 35,000 feet. This speed would take approximately 1,538.4 hours or about 64 days!
Traveling 62 mph (100 km/h) in an automobile would take approximately 13,944.8 hours or about 581 days. That's about one year, seven months, and four days!
How Long to Circumnavigate The Sun's Equator? The Boeing 777's typical cruising speed of 562 mph (904 km/h) at 35,000 feet would take approximately 4,833 hours or about 201⅓ days!
Traveling at 62 mph (100 km/h) in an automobile would take approximately 43,808.8 hours or about 1,825⅓ days. That's about four years, 11 months, and 30 days – nearly five years!
The Significance of The Sun Aside from the Sun's massive size, its impact on Earth and our entire Solar System is highly complex; however, in a few simple words, we can say the following: The heat and light received from the Sun significantly affects our Planet Earth, driving our weather patterns, ocean currents, changing seasons, climates, and photosynthesis that makes plant life possible. The fact is that without the Sun, our planet would be nothing but a lifeless, dark, frozen, ice-covered rock!