uniladtech homepage
  • News
    • Tech News
    • AI
  • Gadgets
    • Apple
    • iPhone
  • Gaming
    • Playstation
    • Xbox
  • Science
    • News
    • Space
  • Streaming
    • Netflix
  • Vehicles
    • Car News
  • Social Media
    • WhatsApp
    • YouTube
  • Advertise
  • Terms
  • Privacy & Cookies
  • LADbible Group
  • LADbible
  • UNILAD
  • SPORTbible
  • GAMINGbible
  • Tyla
  • FOODbible
  • License Our Content
  • About Us & Contact
  • Jobs
  • Latest
  • Archive
  • Topics A-Z
  • Authors
Facebook
Instagram
X
TikTok
Snapchat
WhatsApp
Submit Your Content
Man explains how the sun is burning when there's no oxygen in space
Home>Science>Space
Published 10:06 12 Jan 2024 GMT

Man explains how the sun is burning when there's no oxygen in space

This physicist has broken down why the Sun looks like it's burning - even if it's not on fire.

Prudence Wade

Prudence Wade

google discoverFollow us on Google Discover
Featured Image Credit: EvgeniyQ/Westend61/Getty Images
Sun
Science
Space

Advert

Advert

Advert

We might not remember much from high school science, but we do know that oxygen and fuel = fire.

This is the process of combustion, which brings together oxygen and a fuel source.

So when we look at the big ball of flames in the sky - the Sun - what's actually going on there?


Basic science tells us there's no oxygen in space - that's why astronauts have to get kitted out in heavy suits and helmets, so they can breathe out there - so how could the Sun be on fire?

Advert

Well, one scientist has the answer.

"In reality, the Sun is not burning, because the Sun is not fire," said Dr Ryan French in a TikTok video.

French is a solar physicist and author, and on his TikTok page - which has 49.7k followers - he says his job is dedicated to researching the Sun, meaning he's well placed to give us the low-down.

"The Sun is not powered by combustion, but instead a different energy source called nuclear fusion, taking place in the core of our Sun and every other star as well," French explained.

He said the whole lifetime of any star is a "constant battle" between the "gravity of the mass of the star pushing it inwards, and a resistive force pushing outwards".

The Sun might look like it's on fire - but it's not.
robertsrob / Getty

For most stars, this outward force is the process of nuclear fusion, where hydrogen atoms are squished together in an environment of huge pressure and a high temperature. This creates a helium atom, which French said is lighter than hydrogen - so all this excess mass is released as energy.

This is a huge amount of energy being released from the core of the Sun - and this is transported to the surface "via radiation, convection and conduction", French said - making it look like the Sun is on fire.

And safe to say people are loving this new info in the comments section.

"I am literally shocked that the sun is not on fire. Super interesting!!" one TikToker wrote.

Another agreed: "Very educational and well put, good video."

And others were keen to learn more about the Sun from a specialist.

A TikToker asked: "Have you seen the solar activity comparison from 2019 to now? If so, if that normal for the Sun to fluctuate that much?"

To which French replied with his expert answer: "Sun follows an 11-year cycle of increasing/decreasing activity!"

  • People mind-blown after discovering the 'real color' of the sun
  • Fascinating simulation shows exactly how sperm is attacked when entering the female reproductive system
  • The Sun begins killing off Elon Musk's Starlink satellites as scientists sound alarm
  • Scientists issue chilling new prediction about when humanity could face its horrifying end

Choose your content:

9 hours ago
15 hours ago
  • Tatsiana Volkava/Getty Images
    9 hours ago

    Bizarre reason weight-loss jabs are changing how you use your phone

    While some side effects are to be expected, others are more surprising

    Science
  • - / Contributor via Getty
    9 hours ago

    Truth behind viral cruise ship outbreak as internet fears next Covid pandemic is coming

    Many people are worried about a repeat of 2020's pandemic

    Science
  • Hinterhaus Productions / Getty
    15 hours ago

    Everything that happens to your body when you only consume junk food everyday

    Too much junk food can have consequences

    Science
  • Oscar Wong / Getty
    15 hours ago

    Sleep expert says screen time isn’t the real reason you're struggling to sleep this spring

    We still wouldn't advise doomscrolling before hitting the hay

    Science