Learning Log Do you think that solar power is a good option to use here in Jacksonville? Why or why not? Answer the question and explain your reasoning in your learning log. Essential Question How does energy travel from the Sun to the Earth?

The Sun Sun overview video

Convection Zone Radiation Zone Core – Where nuclear fusion occurs Chromosphere - Orange-red layer of the atmosphere, thousands of miles thick Corona - Uppermost part of the atmosphere, millions of miles thick Photosphere - Part of atmosphere we see Copy and label this diagram of the “Structure of the Sun” on the processing side of your INB

Inside of the SunAtmosphere of the Sun Photosphere – Lowest layer – This is the layer we see – Temperature 5500°C Chromosphere – Appears red – Temperature ranges from 6000°C (low altitude) °C (high altitude) Corona – Outer layer – Extends for millions of miles – Temperatures reaching 1 million °C Core – High temperature and pressure ( roughly 15 million °C) – gaseous throughout – H- 70 % and He-28% – Nuclear fusion occurs Radiation Zone – Emits radiation – Temperature ranges from million °C Convection Zone – Photons continue to move towards the sun’s surface. – Temperature ranges from 1 million °C

The corona of the sun doesn’t end abruptly. Gas flows outward from the corona at high speed, forming the solar winds. – As the particles continue to flow outward through the solar system, they bathe each planet in a flood of particles.

Earth’s Magnetosphere - Deflects and traps Sun particles in 2 rings in Earth’s magnetic field called the Van Allen belts – The particles in these belts collide with gases in Earth’s atmosphere and cause the gases to give off light that we see as the aurora (aka: aurora borealis in northern hemisphere or aurora australis in the South)

Earth’s magnetic field protects earth and its life from the Sun’s radiation and particles – These stellar particles and dangerous forms of the Sun’s energy (ex. UV rays) are deflected away from Earth’s atmosphere/surface and pushed away toward the poles

Solar Activity Solar winds and layers of the solar atmosphere are permanent features. Solar Activity – process where features on the Sun change over time – The Sun’s magnetic field disturbs the solar atmosphere periodically causing new features to appear.

Sunspots- dark spots on surface of photosphere – They are very bright but appear darker than surrounding area b/c they are cooler – Typically last 2 months and occur in pairs with opposite magnetic polarities – The number of sunspots varies according to an average 11-year cycle

Solar Flares Violent eruptions of particles and radiation from the surface of the Sun Associated with sunspots May interfere with phone and radio signal Prominence Arc of gas that is ejected from the chromosphere and rains back to surface of Sun Sometimes associated with solar flares and sun spots

The Sun’s Energy The Sun’s energy comes from within the core where the pressure and temperature are extremely high. Fusion- combining of lightweight nuclei, such as hydrogen, into heavier nuclei produces radiant energy – Ex. In the core of the Sun, helium is a product of the process in which hydrogen nuclei fuse Fission- splitting of heavy nuclei into smaller, lighter atomic nuclei

Place the following statements in circles labled Fission and Fusion for a Venn Diagram -Splitting large atoms into smaller atoms -Usually does not occur in nature -Requires less energy -Energy releasing reaction -In nucleus of atom -Releases a LOT of energy -In first nuclear weapons and power stations -Combining of small atoms to make larger ones -Occurs in stars -Requires lots of energy -In advanced thermonuclear weapons

The mass lost in the fusion of hydrogen into helium is converted into energy, which powers the Sun – At the Sun’s rate of hydrogen fusing, it is about halfway through its lifetime, with another 5 billion years left

Energy from the Sun The Electromagnetic Spectrum – The arrangement of electromagnetic radiation according to wavelengths The light we see coming from the sun is the visible light. The Electromagnetic Spectrum

What happens to the energy from the Sun? Most energy absorbed, but some is scattered by the atmosphere.

Impact of Solar Energy on Earth

Impact of Solar Energy on Earth’s Life Earth’s distance from the Sun and its circular orbit allow water to exist on its surface. The Sun’s energy and heat makes it possible for life on earth – Ex. Photosynthesis- a process that transform solar energy into chemical energy.

Summary Think- Pair-Share Summarize how energy flows from the sun to Earth through space. Include the role of earth’s magnetic field. Summarize today’s notes in your INB.