Planet Science | Wired | february filter

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There so much more to the Sun than remembering your floppy hat and your factor 25. It's your very own fascinating local neighbourhood star, and whether you worship it or not, it just wouldn't be the same here on Earth without it! Get all our sunny questions right and you stand to win a wicked solar powered radio for when you're out and about.

Ready to SHINE?

01	On June 21^st, which part of the world experiences the most hours of daylight?
		On the equator in Colombia
		In Wales
		At the North Pole
		Reveal answer

02	Which part of the Sun’s radiation gives us sunburn?
		Microwave radiation
		Ultra Violet Radiation
		X-ray radiation
		Reveal answer

03	What gas is the Sun mostly made of?
		Oxygen
		Carbon Dioxide
		Hydrogen
		Reveal answer

04	When is the Earth closest to the Sun in its orbit?
		January
		June
		October
		Reveal answer

05	How far is the Sun from the centre of the galaxy?
		30 light years
		30,000 light years
		3,000,000 light years
		Reveal answer

06	Why do lizards bask in the Sun?
		They are cold blooded and use the Sun’s heat to warm them up.
		They like to have a tan, which helps with their camouflage.
		They like to look tanned so they can attract a mate.
		Reveal answer

07	About how often is there a total solar eclipse visible somewhere on Earth?
		Once every 1 – 2 months
		Once every 1 – 2 years
		Once every 10 – 20 years
		Reveal answer

08	Why is it hotter in the UK in the summer than in the winter?
		The Northern Hemisphere is tipped towards the Sun in summer, so the Sun’s heat is less spread out on the ground.
		There are too many clouds in the sky in winter to let the heat through.
		The Sun is hotter in June, July and August so the Earth picks up more of this heat.
		Reveal answer

09	Where in the world are you most likely to find a sunny day – where the Sun shines 91% of the time?
		Arizona, USA
		The Sahara Desert, Libya
		The Tanami Desert, Australia
		Reveal answer

10	Einstein’s equation E=mc² can be used to calculate what?
		The total amount of gas, blown off the Sun in the solar wind.
		How fast the Sun spins.
		The amount of energy produced by fusion in the Sun.
		Reveal answer

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