1. Digging Deeper 5 The Sun and its Effects

2. Structure of the Sun Like the Earth, the Sun has many layers

3. Why is the sky Blue? Answer: Because particles in the air scatter blue light more than other colors.

4. Albedo refers to the reflectivity of a surface Earth’s average albedo is 0.3 (meaning 30% of light is reflected.) Light colored surfaces, like snow, have a high albedo. Dark surfaces, like blacktop, have a low albedo.

5. The Sun is Earth’s primary energy source. Earth’s Radiation Budget

6. Harmful Solar Radiation Ultraviolet (UV) radiation can cause skin damage. The Ozone Layer filters out most of the harmful UV radiation.

7. Sunspots Sunspots are cooler areas of the Sun caused by the Sun’s Magnetic field. They come and go in an 11 year cycle.

8. Solar Flares Solar Flares release huge amounts of radiation from the Sun.

9. Solar Flares Solar flares intensify the solar wind. This can disrupt satellites and communication systems. This can also intensify the Aurora Borealis.

10. Observing the Sun Scientists use telescopes to observe the Sun. They also use satellites that are designed to detect different types of solar radiation.