The surface temperature of the Sun is 99,990,000 K lower than the temperature of fusion plasma. Selected basis: approximate values.
Celsius and Fahrenheit zero points are offsets. Compare temperature differences, not ratios in °C or °F. The kelvin axis starts at absolute zero.
5,772 K - Surface temperature; approximate.
The Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System. Its light and heat power most life and weather on Earth.
Our star, modelled with the IAU nominal solar radius. “Surface” means the visible photosphere. The core is much hotter; this is not a solid surface.
IAU — nominal solar and planetary conversion constants100,000,000 K - Temperature; defined reference.
Fusion plasma is a state of matter where atomic nuclei and electrons are separated and nuclei can undergo nuclear fusion.
A 100 million K plasma example. High temperature alone does not specify total thermal energy.
Defined examples — our methodology
There’s always another scale
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.
TemperatureFusion plasma100,000,000 KFusion plasma is a state of matter where atomic nuclei and electrons are separated and nuclei can undergo nuclear fusion.
SpaceEarth12,740 kmEarth is the rocky planet on which we live and the third planet from the Sun.
SpaceJupiter139,800 kmJupiter is a giant planet composed mainly of hydrogen and helium, orbiting the Sun beyond the asteroid belt.
SpaceNeutron star20 kmA neutron star is the dense remnant core left after a massive star explodes as a supernova, composed mostly of neutrons.
SpaceEarth–Sun distance1 AUThe Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.TemperatureAbsolute zero0 KAbsolute zero is the lowest temperature permitted by thermodynamics, where a system has the least thermal energy available to it.TemperatureRoom temperature20 °CRoom temperature describes indoor air conditions generally considered comfortable for people and suitable for ordinary activities.Side by side
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scale
Illustrative artwork · not to scaleGot a good eye for scale?