The Solar System The Sun
Objectives Describe the basic structure and composition of the sun Explain how the sun generates energy Describe the surface activity of the sun, and identify how this activity affects Earth
Did You Know??? 99% of the solar systems mass is concentrated in the sun. 2) The temperature of the center of the sun is 26,999,540 oF 3) The surface temperature of the sun is about 11,000 oF Source - http://www.factscollection.com/Cosmic%20Space-2.html
The Sun
The Sun
The Structure of the Sun
Parts of the Sun Corona – The outer layer of the sun’s stmosphere Chromosphere – Thin area below the corona Photosphere – The visible part of the sun we see from earth Convection Zone – Area where gasses circulate Radioactive Zone – Dense region below the Convection Zone Core – Center of the sun where energy is produced
The Structure of the Sun
Parts of the Sun
Is the Sun burning?????? For many years scientists thought the sun burned fuel to generate energy The Sun does NOT burn If the sun was burning it would only last for 10,000 years before it ran out of fuel
Nuclear Fusion Nuclear Fusion – The process where 2 or more nuclei join together (fuse) During this process, a massive amount of energy is created Albert Einstein proved this with his famous formula E = mc2 Energy = mass . speed of light2
Nuclear Fusion Because of the high temperatures and pressure of the sun, Nuclei of Hydrogen, which would normally repel each other are smashed creating helium. This creates a massive amount of energy
Nuclear Fusion of the Sun
Solar Activity Sunspots – A dark area of the photosphere of the sun that is cooler than the surrounding areas It also has a strong magnetic field Sunspots last about 11 years
Sunspots
Solar Activity Solar Flares – Regions of extremely high temperatures Solar flares can extend several thousand kilometers within minutes Solar flares usually occur near sunspots They can interrupt radio communication on Earth
Solar Flares
Solar Flares
Solar Flares
Solar Flares
Earth’s Magnetic Field
Solar Flares and Earth
Review The photosphere is the visible part of the sun on the earth The Sun is not burning, it creates energy through nuclear fusion The sun’s nuclear fusion comes from changing hydrogen into helium Sunspots are colder spots on the suns surface Solar Flares are hit spots that shoot out from the sun Earths magnetic field and atmosphere protect it from the sun