The Sun

The Sun, an average-sized, middle-aged star, formed almost 5 billion years ago from a cloud of gas and dust.

Photo by SOHO / ESA / NASA Size: About 109 Earths would fit side-by-side across the face of the Sun! One million Earths could fit inside the Sun. One large sunspot could hold several Earths. The Sun's diameter is 864,000 miles (1.4 million kilometers).

Go west to see a total eclipse of the Moon

This December 10 event favors those in Asia, Australia, and much of North America.

By Michael E. Bakich — Published: November 30, 2011

The Full Moon lies in the constellation Taurus the Bull when it passes through Earth’s shadow December 10. If you live in the western United States, set your alarm for an early wake-up that Saturday and catch a lunar eclipse. Photo by Astronomy: Roen Kelly The last of the year’s major sky events is a total lunar eclipse December 10. The Moon will put on a great show for people in western North America and across the Pacific Ocean to Australia and Asia.