The process of creating energy in the sun is called nuclear fusion. This occurs in the sun's core, where hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium under extreme temperature and pressure conditions. During fusion, a tremendous amount of energy is released in the form of light and heat. This energy is crucial for life on Earth, as it drives our climate and weather and is the source of sunlight we depend on for photosynthesis in plants. Fusion in the sun also generates solar wind, which affects space weather and can influence satellite operations and technology on Earth.