Although scientists are unable to explore the Sun’s layers directly with instruments, they can measure the change in the speeds of the surface layers and the temperature of those layers from Earth. Using this data, scientists have created models of the Sun and we now know that the sunspots that form on the surface are the areas of coolest temperature for this star. At the sunspots, temperatures are merely 3700 Kelvin (K). What does this indirect information about the Sun confirm? The Sun has a structure similar to Earth's structure.

Storms form on the surface of the Sun, similar to the atmosphere of Earth.

The Sun's photosphere has properties of a solid, similar to the crust of Earth.

Convection occurs in parts of the Sun, similar to convection in the mantle of Earth.