The Sun is 864,000 miles (1,392,000 km) in diameter, i.e. 109 times wider than Earth. This massive size means that the Sun contains 99.86% of the mass of the solar systemequivalent to approximately 330,000 Earths. The Sun is so large that it dominates our solar system, highlighting its enormous scale compared to other celestial bodies.
Size and mass of the Sun
Diameter and volume
- Diameter of the sun: The Sun has a diameter of 864,000 miles (1,392,000km)
- Comparison of the size of the Sun with the Earth: The Sun is 109 times wider that the Earth
- Volume: The volume of the Sun is approximately 1.4 x 10^27 cubic metersshowing the actual size of the sun
Mass
- Total mass: The mass of the Sun is approximately 1,988,550,000,000,000,000,000kg (1.99 x 10^30kg)
- Comparing the size of the sun by mass: The mass of the Sun is approximately 330,000 Earths
- Percentage of the solar system: The Sun contains 99.86% of the total mass of the solar system, emphasizing the size of the sun
The composition of the Sun
Elements
- Hydrogen: The Sun is made up of approximately 65% hydrogen by mass
- Helium: Helium compensates approximately 35% of the mass of the Sun
- Other items: Traces of heavier elements are also present
State of matter
- Plasma: The Sun is above all a superheated plasma ballnot a burning gas, which contributes to its enormous size
- Heart: The core of the Sun is a liquid metal with temperatures reaching 15 million degrees Celsius
Comparison of the size of the sun with other stars
- Midsized: Considering the size of the sun, it is classified as a medium sized star
- Bigger stars: There is 100+ stars larger than the Sun in the Milky Way, which provides context for the Sun’s size
- Smaller stars: There are stars 10 times smaller than the Sun, providing another comparison of the size of the sun
- Largest known star: The largest recorded star, R136a1, has a volume 27,000 times larger than the Sun, illustrating the vast range of stellar sizes
FAQs
How big is the Sun compared to Earth?
The Sun is massive, with a diameter 109 times larger than Earth. Its mass is equivalent to approximately 330,000 Earths and contains 99.86% of the total mass of the solar system.
What is the diameter of the sun?
The diameter of the sun is 864,000 miles (1,392,000 km).
How big is the sun compared to other stars?
The Sun is considered a medium-sized star. There are more than 100 stars larger than the Sun in the Milky Way, and some stars are 10 times smaller. The largest known star, R136a1, has a volume 27,000 times that of the Sun.
What is the composition of the Sun and how does it relate to its size?
The Sun is approximately 65% hydrogen and 35% helium by mass, with traces of heavier elements. It exists as a superheated ball of plasma, which contributes to its enormous size and power output.
How does the size of the Sun affect its role in the solar system?
The massive size of the Sun allows it to contain 99.86% of the total mass of the solar system. This immense gravitational influence keeps planets, asteroids and comets in orbit and provides the energy necessary for life on Earth.