The Sun: Man's Friend & Foe

"In the Universe the difficult things are done as if they were easy." - Lao Tzu

Among the billions of stars in the Milky Way galaxy there is one that stands out. There is one that we can call our star, our Sun. Though our Sun may seem like any ordinary star it is one of the more complex things in the universe. It gives light and heat to entire planets. It provides many elements essential to life on Earth.

This hot ball of molten plasma heats our planet, creates our weather, and plays a significant role in improving our health. This fiery mass is also the driving force behind harsh weather patterns, life threatening illnesses, and disruptions in our lives.

Sol, or "Old Sol" as scientists refer to the Sun, plays a powerful role in our everyday lives. From the beginning of time it has influenced, molded, and helped shape many cultures.

Breaking Solar News

Sun Web-Cam
Coronal/Helium Imaging	H-Alpha Imaging	Coronameter

You are looking at a nonstop view of the sun through the eyes of The Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) and the Mauna Loa Solar Observatory.
- Courtesy of the Mauno Loa Solar Observatory

The Sun: Man's Friend & Foe contains hundreds of pages of up-to-date information, graphics, and projects that allow you to use it as a resource for all Sun related research.

Explore the Sun's tangled magnetic field, its turbulent surface motions, the dramatic sunspot cycle, and take a virtual journey to the Sun. Our mirror site entitled: "The Sun Spot" is written especially for students aged 4-6th grade.

Learn more about us and the Sun where we live on the Meet the Makers site. If you have any questions please be sure to read our F.A.Q.. This site has won many awards and if you would like to view them you can on our awards page. We hope you enjoy your adventure into the Sun!