You are here:
Astronomy/the Sun
Advertisement
Question
What is the real name of the sun?
Hi Lisa,
The Sun is the only English name for the star which warms our solar system. The term is derived from the Latin "Sol", although some English words relating to the Sun (such as heliocentric) come from the Greek name Helios.
Although "the Sun" means our nearest star, the term has been generalized to mean other "suns" in distant parts of the galaxy. But strictly speaking, these distant objects are just "stars", while our closest star is the only true "Sun".
I hope that helps.
Prof. James Gort
Related Articles
Astronomy
Answers by Expert:
James Gort
Expertise
Questions on observational astronomy, optics, and astrophysics. Specializing in the evolution of stars, variable stars, supernovae, neuton stars/pulsars, black holes, quasars, and cosmology.
Experience
I was a professional astronomer (University of Texas, McDonald Observatory), lecturer at the Adler Planetarium, professor of astrophysics, and amateur astronomer for 42 years. I have made numerous telescopes, and I am currently building one of the largest private observatories in Canada.
Publications
StarDate, University of Texas, numerous Journal Publications
©2012 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company. All rights reserved.