The Sun and Stars

A solar physicist and astronomer reveal what they know about the sun and the stars, in a video ideal for use with KS3/4 physics students learning about astronomy and space.

Solar physicist Lucie Green explains her keen interest in the sun, our nearest star. Modern space telescopes now allow scientists to see it in great detail and recent solar missions have revealed sunspots, solar flares and coronal mass ejections. Lucie explains the effect these can have on Earth.

Tim O'Brien, an astronomer from Jodrell Bank Observatory, discusses the life cycle of stars, like our sun. At the end of their life cycle, massive stars can go supernova, become neutron stars and even black holes.

Practical demonstrations back in the classroom follow up the topics discussed and offer teachers ideas for their own use.