2. How big is the Sun?

3. Our Sun is the LARGEST and BRIGHTEST body in the solar system
The sun accounts for 99.8% of the solar system’s mass
Has no solid surface, but many distinctive features
Sun’s interior
Core – where hydrogen fusion happens.
Radiative zone – energy carried toward surface by radiation (as light) – can take millions of years
Convective zone – energy carried toward surface by convection (as heat).
Sun’s atmosphere
Photosphere – lowest layer, 5500 ○C – emits visible light – what we see. (sunspots)
Chromosphere – middle layer, 60,000 ○C hotter – transparent.
Corona (HALO) – upper layer – transparent

4. The Sun’s Magnetic Field Creates Different Features
Sunspots
– dark patches that are slightly colder cause by areas of concentrated magnetic field
Solar Flares
a violent solar disturbance where a sudden eruption of electrically charged particles and some of it is emitted out into space
Prominences
– magnetic loops above sunspots,which is complosed of hot ionized gas (plasma)

5. Solar Wind
- the continuous flow of charged particles from the sun that permeates the solar system.
when a solar flare erupts, extra charged particles are emitted into space and they interact with Earth’s magnetic field
the ions are pulled towards the poles and then collide with other atoms causing the Aurora Borealis