On May 3rd, we celebrate the Sun's Day, a date dedicated to the appreciation of this important star that has a deep relationship with the survival of all species of living beings in the Earth.
Read too: April 22 - Earth Day
Importance of the Sun
O Sun is a star approximately 4.5 billion years old that is not part of any constellation. It is located approximately 150 million kilometers from Earth and is extremely hot, reaching temperatures between 6,000 and 15 million degrees Celsius.
Sunlight is the energy source of all living things, without which it would be impossible to survive. Initially plants use sunlight in a process known as photosynthesis, which transforms light energy into chemical energy. This energy is captured by beings that feed on the producers and, later, it is passed on to secondary consumers and so on throughout the food chain. It is noteworthy that, with each transfer of energy from one trophic level to another, this energy decreases.
In addition to providing energy, the Sun plays another very important role, which is theparticipation in water cycle. It provides enough heat for water to evaporate and living beings to transpire, actively acting in the formation of clouds and, consequently, in the rainfall regime.
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The sun also plays an economic role, which can be used as alternative energy source. Unlike fossil fuels and hydroelectric plants, solar energy it does not harm the environment and is an abundant source of clean, renewable energy.
In addition to its important ecological and economic functions, the Sun also has a essential role in the survival of human beings. It is through sun exposure, for example, that we can produce vitamin D, a substance that strengthens our bones and acts on our immune system.
See too: March 22 – World Water Day
Precautions we must have with exposure to the sun
In addition to the benefits, the solar radiation can also cause problems., such as:
skin cancer,
insolation,
retinal lesions and
premature aging.
Therefore, some precautions must be taken before exposing yourself to sunlight, such as use of sunscreen, sunglasses and hat. Remember that exposure is only recommended in the morning before 10 am and in the afternoon after 4 pm.
By Vanessa Sardinha dos Santos
Biology teacher
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "May 3rd — Day of the Sun"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/datas-comemorativas/dia-do-sol.htm. Accessed on June 27, 2021.
