The physical principles underlying the global phenomena that occur on the Earth and other planets in the solar system are presented in a way accessible to older pupils at school. The similarities between the phenomena on the various planets are due to the nature of their common star, the Sun. The Sun's structure, the nuclear reactions proceeding within its core, and the stability of its nuclear fires take up an entire chapter. This book will help answer many of the questions often asked, such as where does the wind come from, what are clouds made of, what are ocean currents, and what affects Earth's climate.