The Kids Crew explores the Sun with scientists from the Sunspot Solar Observatory. Learn how the Sun gives us light and heat, how it helps plants grow, and how experts study it safely. Find out why sunspots are essential to understand, and how they impact planet Earth. This episode also shares the story of the sudden closure at the observatory.

The Sun is the center of our solar system and the source of energy for life on Earth. On this episode of The Children’s Hour, the Kids Crew learns about the Sun with scientists from the Sunspot Solar Observatory in Sunspot, New Mexico. Together, they explore how sunlight reaches our planet and why it is so important for living things.

The Kids Crew talks with telescope operator Sara Jeffries, and educator Heidi Sanchez from the Sunspot Solar Observatory, about the special tools and telescopes used at the Sunspot. They explain that the Sun is a star made of hot gases that produce light and heat. Even though it looks small in the sky, it is much larger than Earth and very far away.

Listeners learn how energy from the Sun travels across space and warms our planet. The Kids Crew also discovers how sunlight helps plants grow through photosynthesis, which supports animals and people. Without the Sun, life on Earth would not exist.

The episode also explains how scientists safely observe the Sun. The guests describe special filters and equipment that protect their eyes while they study sunspots and solar activity. The Kids Crew learns why it is never safe to look directly at the Sun without proper protection.

Learn also about why the Sunspot Solar Observatory has suddenly and permanently closed. The shutdown surprised many people and raised questions in the community. 

The Sun was written and produced by Katie Stone, with production help from Sarah Gabrielli, McKenzie Graunke, and Thaniel Lentz. Our learning guides are written by Amber Shiel. Our shows are recorded at Outpost Performance Space by Chad Scheer. Theme music by C.K. Barlow.

The Children’s Hour is produced by The Children’s Hour Inc., a New Mexico nonprofit organization, and distributed by Native Voice One, the Native American Radio Network.

© 2026 The Children’s Hour Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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