'''Sun''' is the [[star]] at the center of the [[Solar System]]. It is a nearly spherical body of extremely hot [[plasma]] composed primarily of [[hydrogen]] and [[helium]]. The Sun is the main source of [[light]] and [[heat]] for [[Earth]] and provides most of the energy that supports life on the planet.

The Sun formed approximately 4.6 billion years ago from the gravitational collapse of a region within a large cloud of [[gas]] and [[dust]]. It is classified as a [[G-type main-sequence star]] and generates energy through [[nuclear fusion]] in its core, where hydrogen nuclei are converted into helium. The energy produced in the core eventually reaches the surface and is released into space as electromagnetic radiation.

The visible surface of the Sun is called the [[photosphere]]. Above it are the [[chromosphere]] and [[corona]], while the interior consists of the [[core]], [[radiative zone]], and [[convection zone]]. The Sun's surface is marked by phenomena such as [[sunspot]]s, [[solar flare]]s, and [[prominence]]s. The Sun also produces a continuous flow of charged particles known as the [[solar wind]].

The Sun's [[gravity]] keeps the planets, dwarf planets, asteroids, comets, and other objects in orbit around it. Its energy drives many processes on Earth, including [[weather]], [[climate]], and [[photosynthesis]]. Variations in solar activity can also affect Earth's [[magnetosphere]] and produce phenomena such as [[aurora]]s.

The Sun is currently about halfway through its main-sequence lifetime. In several billion years, it is expected to exhaust most of the hydrogen in its core and expand into a [[red giant]]. It will eventually shed its outer layers and leave behind a dense [[white dwarf]].

== References ==
<references />

[[Category:Sun]]
[[Category:Stars]]
[[Category:Solar System]]
[[Category:G-type main-sequence stars]]