The sun, the center of our solar system, is a star that has been burning brightly for about 4.6 billion years. It's massive, holding 99.8 percent of the solar system's mass. It's a hot ball of gases, primarily hydrogen and helium, which are constantly reacting in a process called nuclear fusion. This process releases a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat. The sun’s heat and light are essential for life on Earth. It powers photosynthesis, the process by which plants make food. This, in turn, supports the food chain for all other life forms. The sun also influences Earth’s climate and weather patterns. Despite its overwhelming size and importance to our daily lives, the sun is just an average star among the billions found in our galaxy, the Milky Way. It serves as a reminder of how expansive the universe is, and how much more there is to explore and discover.