Why The Sun is Bigger Than You Think
StarTalk・8 minutes read
The Earth and the Sun are both slightly flat spheroids, with the Sun's sharp edge defined by the Photosphere and visible light bias affecting our perception of its diameter. The Sun's corona and magnetosphere, extending beyond the Photosphere, are not always included in its diameter measurement.
Insights
- The Earth's circumference is approximately 24,000 miles due to its diameter of 8,000 miles, with the planet being slightly flattened at the poles compared to the equator.
- The Sun's diameter is influenced by the Photosphere, the outer edge where photons struggle to escape, and the varying wavelengths of light create an illusion of different sizes, while its corona and magnetosphere, though part of the Sun, are not always considered in its diameter measurement.
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Recent questions
What is the approximate diameter of the Earth?
8,000 miles
How does the Sun's shape differ from Earth's?
Oblate spheroid
What is the Photosphere of the Sun?
Last point of contact for photons
How does visible light bias affect our perception of the Sun?
Different wavelengths show varying diameters
What parts of the Sun are not always included in its diameter measurement?
Corona and magnetosphere
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Summary
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Earth and Sun: Spherical Dimensions Explained
- The diameter of the Earth is approximately 8,000 miles, leading to a circumference of about 24,000 miles when multiplied by Pi.
- The Earth is a slightly flat spheroid, with the diameter from pole to pole being shorter than the equatorial diameter.
- The Sun is also an oblate spheroid, shorter top to bottom than across its equator.
- The sharp edge of the Sun is due to the Photosphere, the last point of contact for photons trying to escape.
- Visible light bias affects our perception of the Sun's diameter, as different wavelengths show varying diameters.
- The Sun's corona and magnetosphere, extending beyond the Photosphere, are part of the Sun but not always included in its diameter measurement.
