How would scientists use cameras to observe different layers of the Sun? Hint: Different temperatures are associated with different wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum!
The Sun
The Sun is a sphere, composed almost entirely of the elements hydrogen and helium.
The Sun is not solid, nor is it a typical gas.
It does not have a defined outer boundary.
It does have a definite internal structure with identifiable layers.
Most atoms in the Sun exist as plasma.
Fourth state of matter made up of superheated gas with a positive electrical charge.
Study Tip
How would scientists use cameras to observe different layers of the Sun? Hint: Different temperatures are associated with different wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum!
Internal Structure
From inward to outward, the layers of the Sun are:
Central Core
Plasma with a temperature is around 27 million ⁰C.
At high temperatures hydrogen goes through nuclear fusion, which forms helium
This energy moves outward, towards outer layers of the Sun.
Radiative Zone
Temperature of about 7 million ⁰C.
Energy from core travels extremely slowly through here.
Photons (particles of light) travel only a little before they hit another particle.
The photon is absorbed and then released again.
Convection Zone
Hot material from near the radiative zone rises, cools at the Sun’s surface, and plunges back downward to the radiative zone.
Convective movement helps to create solar flares and sunspots.
The Outer Layers
There are no solid layers to any part of the Sun’s atmosphere; these boundaries are fuzzy and indistinct.
Photosphere
The photosphere is relatively cool (6,700 ⁰C).
Visible surface of the Sun.
Region that emits sunlight.
The photosphere has several different oranges, yellow and reds.
Earth Science
The Outer Layers Cont.
Chromosphere
Temperatures range from about 4,000⁰C to about 10,000⁰C.
Jets of gas speed up 72,000 km per hour & are 10,000 km high.
Thin zone (2,000 km thick).
Glows red as it is heated by energy from the photosphere.
Corona
Temperature of 2~5million ⁰C (much hotter than photosphere).
Outermost plasma layer.
It is the Sun’s halo or "crown."
Concept Check
What is the Sun made out of?
What are the different zones and where are they located?
What kinds of fusion occur in the central core?
Describe the behavior of photons in the radiative zone.