The photosphere is the visible surface layer of the Sun, where light is emitted. It is approximately 400 kilometers thick and has a temperature of about 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit). This layer is responsible for the sunlight we see from Earth and appears as a bright, glowing sphere. The photosphere is not solid; it consists of hot gases that can create features like sunspots and solar flares. Sunspots are cooler areas on the photosphere, while solar flares are sudden bursts of energy. Together, these phenomena help scientists understand the Sun's behavior and its impact on the solar system.