The Sun

Diameter is 110 times Earth’s Mass is 745 times Earth’s Its volume could hold 1 million Earths At the speed of sound, it would take 10 years to get

there (1,238 km/hr). It takes light 8.5 minutes to get here 5,500 to 15,000,000 degrees Celcius

The Photosphere The innermost layer of the atmosphere

Granulation Photosphere is made of millions of

cells called granules Each one is about 1,500 km

across, with a bright middle and dark edges.

Hot gas rises in the middle, and then gets pushed to the side where it cools.

The Chromosphere The glowing red hydrogen gas that surrounds the

photosphere.

The Corona Is made of positive hydrogen atoms and

surrounds the chromosphere Surrounds the sun at around 1 million km Only visible during eclipses

SOLAR EVENTS

Sunspots

Occur in pairs of opposite charge

They are visible due to increased electric/magnetic.

Occur in cycles

Solar Prominences Clouds of gas from the

chromosphere that extend beyond the sun.

Solar Wind The constant stream of electrically charged hydrogen

atoms the corona is releasing in all directions

When these interact with Earth’s magnetic field, auroras appear.

Solar Flares and Coronal Holes

Solar Flares: outbursts of light in areas of sunspot activity.

Caused by the release of built up magnetic energy Release huge amounts of solar wind and

cause coronal holes Coronal Holes: tears in the corona that

release huge amounts of solar wind

Magnetic Storms These occur when the earth gets an excess of solar

wind Due to coronal holes and solar flares They cause more auroras, inaccurate compass

readings, disrupted telephone and radio signals.

Directions – Sun Quiz Take out a sheet of paper You May NOT use your notes! You Do NOT have to write the question. Answer in complete sentences.

Sun Quiz – Answer In Complete Sentences

1. Draw and label the structure of the sun.

2. What are sunspots?

3. What solar events do sunspots cause? Which of these events can cause the release of solar wind?

4. Explain why granules appear bright in the middle but dark on the edges.

5. Explain how magnetic storms can affect the earth.