The Sun provides the Earth's heat and light—without which, the Earth could not sustain life as we know it. Without the Sun's radiant heat, the Earth would freeze in space's frigid atmosphere. Without light, the Earth's plants could not grow—which provide oxygen and food for other creatures. The Earth's orbital track is the perfect distance from the Sun, beautifully situated in a "sweet spot" that is not too close, not too far. Of course, the seasonal tilting of the Earth (from winter to summer) has an enormous effect on regional temperatures and light. Even this small amount of difference (in distance from the Sun) can make a big difference in regional conditions. Imagine if the Earth's entire orbit were to shift—even relatively little.
All this life-sustaining heat and light is produced through the process of "nuclear fusion" within the Sun—the process by which two (or more) nuclei (within atoms) join-together which causes energy (light, heat, radiation) to be released or absorbed. In the case of the Sun, energy is being released.
This handsome English vase was made by Pilkington Royal Lancastrian. It was made in the Twenties or Thirties, which means it might be (or might be close to) a century old—no time at all on a solar scale. It has a vertically ribbed, gourd-form shape. It is glazed with a dappled yellow, orange and red glaze—highly reminiscent of the molten surface of the Sun. Click on the photo above to learn more about it.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
To arrange a visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only), please call 917-446-4248.