The transparent Sun is modeled as a spherically symmetric and centrally condensed gravitational lens using recent Standard Solar Model ( SSM ) data .
The Sun ’ s minimum focal length is computed to a refined accuracy of 23.5 \pm 0.1 AU , just beyond the orbit of Uranus .
The Sun creates a single image of a distant point source visible to observers inside this minimum focal length and to observers sufficiently removed from the line connecting the source through the Sun ’ s center .
Regions of space are mapped where three images of a distant point source are created , along with their associated magnifications .
Solar caustics , critical curves , and Einstein rings are computed and discussed .
Extremely high gravitational lens magnifications exist for observers situated so that an angularly small , unlensed source appears near a three-image caustic .
Types of radiations that might undergo significant solar lens magnifications as they can traverse the core of the Sun , including neutrinos and gravitational radiation , are discussed .