Courtesy of SOHO (ESA/NASA)

The sun has been the focal point for civilization throughout the history of humankind. People have realized they are dependent on its light and life-giving properties for their well-being. It is perhaps difficult for us in the 21^st century to fully appreciate the awareness that our pre-industrial-era ancestors had - those who were much more in touch with a rural basis for their economy.

But it is not merely the fact that we depend on sunlight for farming, health and warmth. Some cultures have elevated the sun to a religious place. The Inca civilization of South America had its Sun-God and built temples for its worship. The ancient Egyptians believed that their Pharaohs were sons of the Sun: mediators between the spiritual realm and the earthly. Even the philosophically minded Greeks, held the sun in esteem, believing its perfect sphere to be the ultimate universal standard. (They also thought the roundish human head was reflective of this, being, as it is, closest to the sun when we stand upright!)

Even though the sun has occupied a prominent place in various domains of human existence, most of us take it for granted, enjoying it in the summer as we tan, hopeful in it as we plant our gardens, and appreciating it as we watch the evening sunset. Our knowledge of it, however, is limited to its centrality in our planetary system and to rare solar eclipses. There is much more happening out there though than most of us realize. The sun is a dynamic star despite is static appearance. The frailty of our physical eyesight limits our knowledge of our celestial neighbour.

For Reflection:

• What questions come to mind about the sun, its activity and its origins? Will it always be there?
• What other realms exist that seem to be static but are actually teeming with activity?