Solar photosphere

The solar photosphere is the visible surface of the Sun, where light is emitted and can be observed from Earth. It is a thin layer, about 500 kilometers thick, composed mainly of hot, glowing gases like hydrogen and helium. The temperature here is roughly 5,500°C (9,932°F). This layer appears as the Sun’s bright, shining surface and is where sunspots—temporary dark areas—often form. The photosphere serves as the boundary between the Sun’s interior and outer atmosphere, playing a key role in producing the sunlight that sustains life on Earth.