Gravitational and thermal forces in the Sun, cutaway illustration. The Sun, like all stars, is powered by nuclear fusion in its core as its immense ma


Gravitational and thermal forces in the Sun, cutaway illustration. The Sun, like all stars, is powered by nuclear fusion in its core as its immense mass creates the inwards force of gravity (blue arrows). The Sun would collapse under this gravitational force without the outward thermal pressure (red arrows) from the nuclear fusion of hydrogen in its core. This fusion releases heat and light energy that propagates outwards to reach the surface of the Sun.


Size: 4724px × 4151px
Photo credit: © TIM BROWN/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

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