The Sun's immense heat and energy are generated through nuclear fusion, specifically the fusion of hydrogen nuclei into helium in its core. This process releases an enormous amount of energy in the form of light and heat. However, Earth and its inhabitants, including humans, are not burned alive due to several factors:
Distance: The Earth is situated at an average distance of about 93 million miles (150 million kilometers) from the Sun. This distance allows us to receive a relatively small amount of the Sun's energy, which is enough to sustain life without causing immediate harm.
Atmosphere: Earth's atmosphere plays a vital role in protecting us from the Sun's harmful effects. It absorbs and scatters a significant portion of the incoming solar radiation. Ozone in the stratosphere, for instance, filters out much of the Sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Reflection and Absorption: Not all of the Sun's energy reaches the Earth's surface. Some of it is reflected back into space by clouds, the atmosphere, and the Earth's surface itself. Additionally, the Earth's surface absorbs and re-emits some of the solar energy as infrared radiation.
Surface conditions: The Earth's surface absorbs the Sun's energy and heats up, but the heat is gradually released into the atmosphere. Earth's surface temperature is regulated by various factors, such as oceans, which absorb and distribute heat, and the water cycle, which helps maintain a relatively stable climate.
While the Sun's energy is essential for life on Earth and influences our climate, the balance of these factors allows for a habitable environment without causing us to burn alive. It's essential to understand and manage the impact of human activities on our planet to maintain this delicate balance.