If a thermometer is placed in direct sunlight will it read the temperature of the air or of the sun or of something else?

If a thermometer is placed in direct sunlight, it will likely read a temperature that is higher than the actual air temperature. This is because the thermometer will absorb heat from the sunlight, which can cause it to register the temperature of the sun's rays rather than the surrounding air. The material and design of the thermometer can also affect its reading, as some types may respond more to radiant heat than others.