Solar physics

Solar irradiance spectrum showing the intensity of sunlight across wavelengths, comparing direct solar radiation above Earth's atmosphere (yellow) and at sea level (red). Atmospheric absorption bands are visible, shaped by gases in the atmosphere.

Solar physics is the branch of astrophysics that specializes in the study of the Sun. It intersects with many disciplines of pure physics and astrophysics.

Because the Sun is uniquely situated for close-range observing (other stars cannot be resolved with anything like the spatial or temporal resolution that the Sun can), there is a split between the related discipline of observational astrophysics (of distant stars) and observational solar physics.

The study of solar physics is also important as it provides a "physical laboratory" for the study of plasma physics.

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