Almost all of the energy that drives the various systems (climate systems, ecosystems, hydrologic systems, etc.) found on the Earth originates from the sun. Solar energy is created at the core of the sun when hydrogen atoms are fused...

Article explaining what photovoltaic cells are, their role in solar energy, how they work, how electricity is produced, and applications of this technology. (Published: April 24, 2010)

Learn about insolation, or how much sunlight or solar radiation any given place on Earth receives based on many factors.

An explanation of how temperature is affected by the composition of the atmosphere and how energy flows in and out of Earth's atmosphere.

Using computational models, students investigate the interaction between greenhouse gases, solar radiation, and the Earth's surface for the impact on climate. They then look at data on atmospheric carbon dioxide to analyze changes in...

These hands-on activities are a great way for students to gain perspective on the relative sizes and distances of each planet, the relationship between the sun and Earth, and much more.

In this What's Up in the Environment? video segment, an electrical engineer in Virginia and his 13-year-old son explain how they produce electricity in their home. [3:58]

Describes solar winds, solar wind variations, and spacecraft studying solar wind. Also includes solar wind conditions for the past day/week.

In this interactive activity adapted from NASA and the U.S. Geological Survey, learn about Earth's albedo (the ratio of reflected vs. incident solar radiation), how pollution alters albedo, and how ice-albedo feedback may accelerate...

The sun's energy is the primary source of energy for all surface phenomena and life on Earth. Combined with the material of the Earth (including the molecules held close by the Earth's gravitational force called the atmosphere), this...

The sun's energy is the primary source of energy for all surface phenomena and life on Earth. Combined with the material of the Earth (including the molecules held close by the Earth's gravitational force called the atmosphere), this...

Describes examples of thermal energy in the natural world from the Sun, the oceans, and the Earth.

The Space Environment Center put together an introduction to our sun and space weather that it creates during it's 11 year weather cycle. Learn about different solar anomalies and the effects they have on earth with pipelines, geologic...

Students investigate the interaction between greenhouse gases, solar radiation, and the Earth's surface and oceans for the impact on global warming. By altering variables, they can project what reduction in greenhouses gases is needed in...

Learn about the many different energy resources available from our Earth. Find out the pros and cons of each type: both renewable and nonrenewable.

A detailed overview of global climate change, with explanations of Earth's climate change, the carbon cycle, ecosystems, and greenhouse gases, and how the movements of matter and energy impact on climate. All information is reinforced...

Article reports on a presentation that suggests that the Earth is surrounded by dark matter.

Includes a brief history of the sun's development and its future. Also provides simple statistics, solar activities, and references.

This collection of five learning modules looks at issues related to environmental change and sustainability. Topics addressed include changes in the atmosphere, soil, water, and biodiversity, and what can be done to counteract this and...

A detailed overview of the greenhouse effect, with explanations about Earth's atmosphere gases referred to as greenhouse gases, and the factors that influence the heat-trapping ability of a greenhouse. All information is reinforced...

This site from the University of Oregon provides a great explanation of the Coriolis Effect and then gives several chart type examples to help the understanding of it.

This site explores the importance of clouds and how clouds are formed. Content details common atmospheric cooling mechanisms and atmospheric stability.