The Sun is the dominant source of energy for Earth. Its radiation heats the planet and drives photosynthesis, producing the oxygen essential for most living organisms.
Benefits of Solar Radiation
By converting light into chemical energy, plants and certain microbes generate food and oxygen, forming the foundation of food webs and helping regulate the climate.
Risks from Space Weather
The Sun can also release sudden bursts of energy. Solar flares, geomagnetic storms and solar radiation storms are collectively termed space weather and have the potential to disrupt satellites, power grids and communication networks.
While the strength of these events varies, their occurrence poses a hazard to modern technology that requires ongoing monitoring and research.