Since ancient times, people have watched the Sun, feared it, revered it as a god, and also used it to count the time. Already in the XVII century began scientific research of our shining luminary, which has not stopped for centuries. But only in recent decades, thanks to space flights and the work of scientists, we have received a new idea of the Sun. From this book, you will learn about solar research, such mysterious phenomena as sunspots and auroras, about solar energy, magnetic storms and the solar wind. Why is it so important for us to know as much as possible about the Sun? There is less fuel on our planet. And to ensure our existence, we must look for new sources of energy. Science and technology have come a long way. But at the same time, we should think about such technologies, thanks to which the surrounding water, air, and natural wealth will not be destroyed, but will remain for future generations. All this forces humanity to seriously explore the Sun - a star that gives it light, heat and energy. Billions of years ago, the Sun appeared with the planets in its system, from gas and dust clouds. This is the most important star for us.... But among the two hundred billion stars that make up the big family we call the Milky Way, the Sun occupies a very modest place. It is not too big and not too small and in its power is the average star in the universe. There are hotter, more massive, older or younger stars. But according to our “earthly” ideas, the size of the Sun is colossal. In it, you can, say, put 1.3 million balls the size of the Earth. The radiation of a square meter of the Sun is equal to the radiation of a million incandescent lamps . Every second, the Sun consumes millions of tons of nuclear fuel and can shine and provide us with energy for another 5 billion years. The sun gives off a huge amount of energy.... Only a small part of it reaches the Earth. But that’s more than enough.... Solar energy will be of paramount importance for future generations, when mankind will consume oil, coal or uranium reserves and their names will be found only in historical books. "What Is What" is a series of thematic encyclopedias published from 1994 to 2001 by the publishing house "Word" and aimed at school-age children. Initially, it was translated materials of a similar German series "Was ist was", but later, as part of the series, the publishing house began to produce works by domestic authors. The abundance of illustrations, fascination, diversity and accessibility of the presentation of the material predetermined the great popularity of the series. "What is What" easy reading - serious knowledge!Other books in the series "What is What":Byzantine Wolves of Heaven. Flags Calendar. Caves of the Cat. Time. Dolls. Butterflies Sculpture. Our Body . Ancient Greeks Ancient myths Myths of Slavs Sun Apes Ancient China . Painting Orbital Stations . Underwater exploration of the Earth Planet Ancient Greece. Trees. Forest. Poisonous plants . Money from Russia . Multimedia and virtual worlds Natural Disasters Mountains Pyramids Museums Travelers . Crusaders Weather. Bees, Bumblebees, Wasps Moors Elephants Fish Birds Ships Gladiators Samurai. Pirates. Water. Bridges . Geographic Maps of the Witch Star. Internet Seven Wonders of the World Predators Nuclear Power Arctic and Antarctic. Indians Horses Dinosaurs Ancient Russia . Moscow Rus Revival . Mysterious Treasure Phenomena . Tropical Forest