Ask Dr. Universe

How many suns are in the universe? Asked by Kristen, 8, Pullman, WA.

Dear Kristen,

Our sun is really one big star. And there are billions and billions of stars in our universe.

“More than we can even count,” added my friend Phil Lou. He’s an expert on solar energy here at Washington State University. He’s really curious about finding ways to power homes and schools using energy from the sun.

“Most of the energy and life around us that we know is linked to the sun,” he explained. Then we put on our sunglasses, slathered on some sunscreen, and headed out to explore.

As we walked along, we spotte...