Ever since school, everyone knows that the Sun is the star closest to planet Earth, while others are millions of times farther away. For example, the closest celestial object from the Alpha Centauri system is Proxima, but it is also at a great distance (4.22 light years).
Without the sun, life on earth is impossible
This statement is indisputable, because it is this, the largest star that emits powerful cosmic energy, which is an indispensable source of heat and light. Without these two components on Earth, everything will die, the flora and fauna will be on the verge of extinction. In addition, the Sun is responsible for the formation of the most important properties of the atmosphere of our planet. Roughly speaking, ecology directly depends on this star, because without it there would not be even air, without which life on Earth would not be possible. The air would turn into a liquid nitrogen ocean around icy seas, oceans and icy land.
Why is the sun of particular importance to us?
Its most important feature is that it was near this star that the planet on which we live appeared. We have at our disposal the sun, wind, sea waves, biomass, which is an energy raw material that constantly surrounds us and which can be used without problems. These elements are not extracted by human hands from the earth, they do not provoke the formation of radioactive waste, and the release of such harmful toxic elements does not occur at all. It is a source of constantly renewable energy.
Is this not an occasion to single out one day of the year to celebrate the Day of the Sun, without which we cannot live? To praise this day, you can set aside whole weeks!
Where did the holiday come from?
The story of the Sun Day holiday begins with an event that was first held in 1994 by the European branch of the International Society of Solar Energy in order to draw the attention of others to renewable energy sources. This day is celebrated annually on May 3. The essence of the celebration is that any interested people, organizations and companies throughout Europe or even around the world organize various events, the purpose of which is to show people the capabilities of the Sun and its energy.
Initially, the holiday was truly European, but recently it has been celebrated around the world.
What events are held on May 3?
Organized celebrations once again prove to everyone around that no matter what part of the solar energy mankind consumes, it does not upset the planet’s energy balance and does not lead to serious changes and disastrous consequences. Recently, there has been a tendency to use the energy of the solar system. Each year, these figures are increasing, and the use of the power of the Sun is becoming increasingly popular. First of all, this fact is associated with the fact that other types of energy are significantly more expensive and adversely affect the environment. The number of mechanisms, products and goods capable of functioning on solar panels is only increasing. Every year the market presents us more and more new devices. The popularity of such products is increasing due to the fact that such a type of energy as solar is cheap and, most importantly, environmentally friendly, eliminates the production and burning of fuels that poison the environment.
The mission of the Sun Day is to convey to every person, to disseminate as much information as possible about the benefits of solar energy. Entire countries adopt experience in this area. Every year, traditions for the feast of the Day of the Sun are updated.
Holiday traditions
Every year on May 3 on the International Day of the Sun, various organizations that are not indifferent to the problem hold many entertaining events, the purpose of which is to disseminate as much information as possible among a huge number of not indifferent people. On this day, everyone can participate in experiments and experiments carried out on the basis of solar energy, you can visit experimental and private solar and energy-efficient houses, freely visit any research and design institutes, in each of them corresponding events are organized. Such open door days allow even the people farthest from this problem to get acquainted with various projects and the latest scientific achievements.
In addition to research institutes, various organizations that conduct exhibitions, meetings, contests, present solar vehicles and electric cars also open their doors. And even arrange real races. There are also round tables and lectures at which experts discuss all the exciting technical, economic and even social aspects of solar energy consumption. Competitions are held among children, schoolchildren prepare projects and drawings on this topic, after which the best one is selected.
In European countries, it is customary to arrange sunny weeks before and after the holiday. This is necessary so that the Day of the Sun does not pass unnoticed like a one-day holiday, but attracts as many people as possible to the problem.
The emergence of the holiday
After 1994, it was conducted by 14 European countries, now this number has increased significantly, and the trend to celebrate Sun Day has spread throughout the world.
The central and only star belongs to the system of the same name. It is around it that other objects move, and everyone knows that the Earth rotates around the Sun. In addition to the released energy, the star’s radiation takes part in photosynthesis, affects the weather and climate, and is responsible for changing the seasons. It is on the duration of a sunny day that the vital activity of the body depends. Indeed, you must agree that when the window is gray and the gloomy sky, nothing pleases and does not bring pleasure.
An interesting fact is that the sun shines white. So yellow, as we used to see it, light becomes only after a long way passes through the Earth’s atmosphere.
Other holidays of the Sun
From the most ancient times people worshiped this star, considering it a deity, arranged grandiose holidays larger than our Sun Day. Some of them are still preserved. For example, Maslenitsa is considered such a holiday, which since ancient times has been celebrated in Russia. This list also includes the Summer Solstice and the vernal equinox.
Ancient legends
People in ancient times praised the cult of the Sun, invented the most incredible spells, composed songs and poems, arranged grandiose games. The first worship of him is celebrated in the culture of such representatives of ancient civilizations as the Incas, Egyptians and Aztecs. Megaliths were created all over the world - monuments that marked the position of the summer solstice. The largest of them has survived to this day, and it is located in England, in Stonehenge.
The use of the sun for man
In addition to physical processes, its light is useful for the body. For example, it contributes to the production of vitamin D, which is essential for the body to function perfectly. However, one should not get involved in tanning either, prolonged exposure to the hot sun is harmful to human health. Large doses of ultraviolet radiation are fraught with cancer of the skin, sunstroke and other unpleasant misfortunes. Therefore, in the summer, when the sun is most active, it is imperative to stock up on a hat and goggles to avoid trouble.
Negative impact
As we know from the school curriculum, the adverse effect of ultraviolet rays is refracted by the ozone layer, which is located in the Earth’s atmosphere. However, the forecasts of scientists are not encouraging; recently, the environmental degradation on the planet has led to its thinning and the appearance of ozone holes.
Ever heard of magnetic storms? Now people who are subject to meteorological dependence should take a deep breath. Since the sun has a powerful magnetic field, its intensity then increases, then falls, and this provokes magnetic storms, which cause deterioration of well-being and headaches.
Age of the sun
In the course of the research, scientists calculated that the approximate age of the star is approximately 4.5 billion years. The first to study the sun was still in ancient India, and the assumption that this is the center around which other objects revolve was expressed by Aristarchus of Samos. The idea did not get its distribution, and only in the XVI century was revived by all known Copernicus.
Many scientists have tried to measure the number of years the star’s life at all times, however, only modern technologies allow this to be done with maximum accuracy. Observations of it in the modern world are carried out using surveys from balloons, satellites, rockets and space stations. The first such extra-atmospheric observations were made back in 1957.
Star Sun is a safe, environmentally friendly and renewable energy source, without which life on the planet is impossible.