Stars are electromagnetic emitters. When you are in free space (outer space outside the atmosphere) you can not see any star. All that you can see in space are planets, moons and comets. You can only see our Sun or stars from within side an atmosphere. The electromagnetic energy is broken down into a waste by product that we call light (our eyes are designed to register this light). Solar flares and or Corona discharges are x rays and microwaves in the arcs of the EMF's exiting the Sun. Light only become visible when the EMF's hit gross matter. When it hits gross matter a waste by product break down exists that we interpret as light. I know this might sound strange but once you truly understand the truth regarding how our universe works a 'light bulb" will go off in your head and you will see in a whole new light the truth regarding how our universe works. Unfortunately, we have been mislead by our educational system deliberately. The powers to be know the true physics but hide it from the rest of us so that we stay behind technologically. Check out this short video of Professor Eric Dollard, he is brilliant and is an expert in EMF and radio waves. If I have not scared you off yet I can answer your second question regarding the Ether. Let me know what you think.