One second of sunlight
The total energy emitted by the Sun in all directions over one second.
How big is it?
3.828 × 10¹¹ PJ · energy
Energy · defined energy model
A little perspective
One second of sunlight vs Moon orbital kinetic energy: energy comparison
The Moon’s orbital kinetic energy is about 100 times the energy of one second of sunlight.
ENERGY STORED OR TRANSFERRED
The total energy emitted by the Sun in all directions over one second.
Moon orbital kinetic energy is the energy the Moon possesses due to its motion as it orbits Earth.
Measurements, assumptions & sources +
One second of sunlight
Energy: 3.828 × 10¹¹ PJ; defined energy model.
The Sun’s nominal luminosity multiplied by one second: total emitted energy, not energy received by Earth.
IAU — nominal solar and planetary conversion constants
The marked energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Moon orbital kinetic energy
Mean-orbit kinetic energy: 3.83 × 10¹³ PJ; derived; range 3.7 × 10¹³ PJ–4 × 10¹³ PJ.
Approximately 3.83 × 10²⁸ J, calculated as ½mv² from the JPL-derived lunar mass and a mean orbital speed of 1.022 km/s. The Moon’s elliptical orbit changes its instantaneous speed and kinetic energy.
The marked mean-orbit kinetic energy is calibrated. Unmeasured illustration details are representative.
Use the visual comparison to explore its scale, then check the measurements and sources.
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Why this measurement?
Why we use 3.828 × 10¹¹ PJ
We compare the energy of one second of sunlight. This is an illustrative comparison value, not a claim that every example is the same.
The Sun’s nominal luminosity multiplied by one second: total emitted energy, not energy received by Earth.
The picture identifies the subject; the diagram compares the recorded values. How calibrated comparisons work →
Recorded properties
Dimensions and measurements
| Property | Selected value | Recorded range | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.828 × 10¹¹ PJ | Not recorded | defined energy model |
Around this scale
Explore nearby values.
Compare examples with lower, similar and higher values. Each card names the measurement being compared.
Nearest lower valueEnergyAn industrial terajoule1 TJEnergyAn industrial terajoule is a large unit of energy used to quantify industrial-scale processes or outputs.
Nearest higher valueEnergyMoon orbital kinetic energy3.83 × 10¹³ PJMean-orbit kinetic energyMoon orbital kinetic energy is the energy the Moon possesses due to its motion as it orbits Earth.Sources and method
Want to check the number?
The source records and measurement method remain available for inspection.
- IAU — nominal solar and planetary conversion constantsResolution B3 defines nominal solar radius and luminosity; nominal constants are conversion anchors, not new measurements.
There’s always another scale
Follow your curiosity.
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