The diameter of the Sun is about 69,600 times the diameter of a neutron star. Selected basis: a representative value for Neutron star; approximate values.
The ring marks the true-scale position of a neutron star; it does not show its width. Only the inset is enlarged (×21,800).
Both rulers start at the same zero and share one linear scale. Artwork keeps its original proportions.
1,391,000 km - Diameter; 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 constants20 km - Diameter; representative.
A neutron star is the dense remnant core left after a massive star explodes as a supernova, composed mostly of neutrons.
A 20 km, 1.4 solar-mass teaching model. The precise radius depends on stellar mass and the uncertain behaviour of dense matter.
NASA — Neutron stars
There’s always another scale
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.
SpaceNeutron star20 kmA neutron star is the dense remnant core left after a massive star explodes as a supernova, composed mostly of neutrons.
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.
SpaceEarth–Sun distance1 AUThe Earth–Sun distance, or astronomical unit, is the standard measure of separation between Earth and the Sun used in astronomy.
SpaceWhite dwarf12,000 kmA white dwarf is the dense, hot remnant core left behind after a star like the Sun has exhausted its nuclear fuel and shed its outer layers.
Fundamental physicsProton1.682 fmA proton is a positively charged particle found in the nucleus of atoms, made up of quarks.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?