Our Sun is commonly classified as a yellow star because its overall color, when viewed from space or on a clear day on Earth, appears to be yellowish-white. While it is true that the light emitted by the Sun is not a pure yellow, it is still classified as such due to the way stars are categorized based on their temperature and spectral characteristics.
The color of a star is determined by its surface temperature. Cooler stars, such as red dwarfs, emit more red and infrared light, while hotter stars emit more blue and ultraviolet light. Our Sun is considered a relatively average star with a surface temperature of about 5,500 degrees Celsius (9,932 degrees Fahrenheit). This temperature places it in the spectral class G, which is associated with yellowish-white light.
However, it's important to note that the perceived color of the Sun can vary depending on the atmospheric conditions and the observer's location on Earth. When the Sun is near the horizon during sunrise or sunset, its light passes through a greater amount of Earth's atmosphere, which scatters shorter wavelengths more than longer wavelengths. This scattering effect can make the Sun appear more reddish or orange. On a clear day with less atmospheric scattering, the Sun's light appears closer to its true color, which is a yellowish-white hue.
Therefore, while the Sun's light may appear white or even reddish at times, its classification as a yellow star is based on its surface temperature and the average color it emits.