Our sun is an average star in our galaxy. It is a sphere of burning gas that provides light and heat. It makes our plants grow and allows them to turn carbon dioxide into breathable oxygen.

If our sun were to shine a little less or a little more brightly, life as we knew it would not exist. A drop of less than 2% of the sun's energy output would turn Earth into an ice-covered planet.

So how much do you know about this glowing sphere that controls our world. Can you answer these questions:

What is the sun made up of?

How long does it take the sun to orbit the center of our galaxy?

How many layers of atmosphere does the sun have?

What are solar winds and what do they do to Earth?

What impact do solar flares have on Earth?

Find out more about the Sun and amaze your family and friends with these fun facts.

All measurements in American and metric.

LearningIsland.com believes in the value of children practicing reading for 15 minutes every day. Our 15-Minute Books give children lots of fun, exciting choices to read, from classic stories, to mysteries, to books of knowledge. Many books are appropriate for hi-lo readers. Open the world of reading to a child by having them read for 15 minutes a day.