The term 'SOAKS UP RAYS' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: TANS (4 letters), SUNS (4 letters), and BASKS (5 letters). TANS is the process of skin darkening due to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun. SUNS is another word for the star at the center of our solar system, which emits the ultraviolet radiation that causes tanning. BASKS is the act of exposing oneself to the sun's rays in order to get a tan.