Science and Health

The Sun Isn't Yellow Or Orange; It's White

The sun's true color is almost pure white; it only appears to be amber near the horizon.

The Sun Isn't Yellow Or Orange; It's White
NASA
SMS

Think the sun is yellow? Most people do. But, no. It's actually white. Don't believe me? 

Direct sunlight is almost pure white and makes white things look white, not yellow. 

The sun seems white when it's high in the sky — say, around noon.

And here's the clincher: The sun doesn't look yellow from space.

It's Earth's atmosphere that gives the sun its yellow or orange color. We usually only see the sun when it's low in the sky and the light is passing through the most atmosphere.

There are yellow stars out there, though. There are also red and blue ones.

This video includes images and clips from NASA.