The Sun Lesson Objective: Students will be able to name the 6 layers of the sun. Success Skills I will divide the sun into inner zones and outer atmospheres I will learn the zones have 3 layers I will learn the Atmospheres have 3 layers

The Sun Diameter-1,300,000 km 1 million earths could fit inside the sun The sun rotates on its axis once every 27 earth days. (33 at poles 25.3 at equator) 92 % Hydrogen & 8% Helium + traces of other elements

The Sun is made of 6 layers 3 Inner layers (inner zones) 3 Outer layers (atmosphere) The Sun is made of mostly HYDROGEN and HELIUM

Structure or the Sun Atmosphere (outer layers): Inner Zones: (inner layers): Core Radiative Zone Convection Zone Atmosphere (outer layers): Photosphere Chromosphere Corona

Inner Zone Core Radiative Zone Convective Zone

The Core…15,000,000 oC The core is so hot & under so much pressure that FUSION can take place. H+ HHe Fusion of N, O & C can also take place because of the heat & pressure in the core. Fusion is what makes the Sun’s energy = heat & light!

The Radiative Zone 2,500,000 oC surrounds the core Ionized gas Energy travels in electromagnetic waves

As seen from the top, these are the granules we see in the photosphere The Convective Zone 1,000,000 oC Energy moves through convection – rising & sinking of gas and liquid. Photosphere The hot atoms of gas expand & become less dense, they carry the energy to the surface. At the surface the atoms cool, become denser & sink back down. this repeats. Convective “cells”: As seen from the top, these are the granules we see in the photosphere

Outer Layers- Atmosphere Photosphere Chromosphere Corona

The Photosphere = sphere of light 6,000 oC This is the “surface” of the Sun Energy is given off in the form of light that we see on earth. Granulation- a grainy appearance from the rising/sinking gases in convection zone. sunspots

As seen from the top, these are the granules we see in the photosphere Granulations… Photosphere Convective “cells”: As seen from the top, these are the granules we see in the photosphere

The Chromosphere=4,000-50,000oC sphere of color- layer glows with reddish light has energetic magnetic activity: Flares Prominences (those loopy things) Spicules

The Corona Can only be seen during a solar eclipse! Outer layer of the Sun Millions of degrees but very diffuse Extends millions of kilometers into space Hot and energetic, gives off lots of x-rays!

Okay, let’s get out of the core. It’s hot in here. A QUICK REVIEW: (layers not to scale) Convective Zone Corona Chromosphere Radiative Zone Core Photosphere