This is a realistic model of the sun or another similar star. It uses a complex PFlow system to achieve realistic solar flares emanating from its surface. The Solar Flares are realistically animated.

For Quick Renders you can turn off the solar flare particle system and still get a realistic sun. Using Mental Ray shaders, the sun has a very nice glow and corona effect.

This sun is also 100% procedural, there are no map files. Procedural maps give the sun infinite resolution. So when you zoom up close you do not loose detail.

This is an excellent choice to make top notch space scenes that involve a detailed sun.