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The Sun, comprising 99.8% of the solar system's mass, is our primary energy source. With a core temperature of 5,527°C, the Sun generates energy through hydrogen fusion. This energy travels from the core to the Earth through conduction, radiation, and convection. Surface features include sunspots, solar flares, and prominences, influenced by the Sun's magnetic field. The 11-year sunspot cycle affects solar activity and can impact Earth's climate and technology. Understanding these processes is vital for comprehending solar phenomena and their effects on our planet.
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Our Sun http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/524990main_FAQ10_full.jpg • How did it form? • Basic facts • 99.8% of mass • 100x diameter of Earth • 5,527oC • 92.1% H, 7.8% He • Plasma • Sun today • Main source of Earth’s energy
How do we get the Sun’s energy? • Need to know! • Thermal energy • Temperature • Heat • 3 Types of heat • Occur in different parts of the Sun 1. Conduction • Core • Dense, hottest • Hydrogen fusion
2. Radiation • Light waves • How energy gets to Earth • Radiation Zone • Energy moves slowly • Thick layer
3. Convection • In liquids and gases • Material heated (conduction) • Rises….why? • Sinks….why? • Repeat • Convection Zone • Moves more quickly in this layer
Inner Solar Structure Review • Core • Radiation Zone • Convection Zone
Outer Solar Structure • Photosphere • Visible surface • Chromosphere • Temp. increases • Red glow • Corona • Outermost layer • Very hot • Seen during an eclipse
Sun’s Magnetic Field http://www.cbsnews.com/8301-205_162-57597396/ • What is a magnetic field? • What causes a magnetic field? • On the Sun? • Effect of rotation • Different rotation rates • Magnetic field lines get wound up • Eventually snap
Sunspots http://oneminuteastronomer.com/1018/sunspots/ Intense magnetic field prevents convection. Cooler than nearby areas Appear in pairs Brightness & temp.
Sunspot Cycle • Predictable cycle • 11-years • Minimums • Last = 2008/2009 • Low # of prominences, flares and sunspots • Cooler climate on Earth • Lastmaximum = 2013 http://academic.emporia.edu/aberjame/student/johnson5/sunspotcycle.html
Surface Features • Solar flares • Caused by field snap • High energy • Explosive • Prominence • Loops/arches • Follow magnetic field lines into space
Solar Wind & CME http://stereo.gsfc.nasa.gov/browse/2013/10/14/index.shtml • Solar Wind • Plasma stream • Hot, high speed • Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) • Massive eruption • Rearrangement of magnetic field lines • Recent CMEs • Effects on Earth • Disrupt magnetic field shape • Damage electronics • Danger to astronauts
Aurora http://www.public.iastate.edu/~sdk/fick2003/october.html • Interaction of particles and magnetic field • Particles drawn to poles • Colors • Elements • Altitude • Constantly changing • Borealis or Australis • Video