Why the Sun Looks Brightest

Mastery Evidence

• State that the Sun is a medium-sized star that appears brightest because it is the closest star to Earth
• Explain the difference between apparent brightness (how bright it looks) and actual brightness (how much light it gives off)
• Give an example: a torch held close looks brighter than a distant floodlight, even though the floodlight is more powerful

Assessment Prompt

“Does [child] understand that the Sun looks so bright because it’s close, not because it’s the biggest star — and that some faraway stars are actually much larger?”