The luminosity of the Sun is about 3.83 × 10¹⁷ times the power of a power station. Selected basis: an example for Power station; approximate values.
ENERGY EACH SECOND
Too small to see at this scale; the bar has not been widened.
Power is energy per unit time: one watt is one joule per second.
3.828 × 10¹⁴ TW - Luminosity; 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 constants1 GW - Power; example.
The electrical power produced by a facility that generates electricity for distribution to users.
A chosen 1 GW electrical output. Capacity and actual generation differ.
Defined examples — our methodology
There’s always another scale
SpaceSun1,391,000 kmThe Sun is the star at the centre of the Solar System.
PowerPower station1 GWThe electrical power produced by a facility that generates electricity for distribution to users.
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.
PowerLED bulb9 WThe electrical power drawn by a light-emitting diode lamp used for illumination.
PowerElectric kettle3 kWThe electrical power used by an electric kettle to heat water.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?