4.5 The Sun's Energy
The Sun's Energy
The Sun's Energy Source
The energy of the Sun comes from the solar core. In this central region of the Sun, a nuclear reaction takes place. Nuclear fusion converts hydrogen to helium and generates extremely large amounts of energy. This is the energy source of the stars, and of our Sun.
Over millions of years, this energy is transferred from the solar core, to the outer layers of the solar atmosphere. Once it reaches the outer layers, it is radiated out into space in the form of heat, ultraviolet rays, and x-rays.
