This PowerPoint discusses the Sun at a high school level. It talks about characteristics, solar activities/events, how energy is created, and many more.
4. Photosphere Radiates most of the sunlight we see – “surface” Granules – small, bright markings– about the size of texas.
5. Chromosphere Above photosphere Thin layer of hot gases Viewed as a red rim around sun Spicules – located on top of the chromosphere – flaming structures. (described as trees sticking out)
6. Corona Outer part of sun (atmosphere) Looks like a crown of bright light glowing Solar wind – particles(ionized gases) escaping the corona at high speeds. Ionized referes to the gaining or losing of electrons.
12. Interior Source of energy – nuclear fusion – process to fuse particles together to form heavier particles. Hydrogen – Helium Proton-Proton Chain is created through nuclear fusion. Chain reaction converts 4 hydrogen protons into the nucleus of a helium atom. Some mass is converted to energy.
13. P-P Chain Cont. When hydrogen is converted to helium, this process – Hydrogen burning. The energy that is released from the P-P chain is transmitted through layers of the sun.
14. What Does the Sun do for Earth? Energy – light – Food – life Events – Good/Bad Auroras Solar Eclipses Disruption of Radio/Satellite communications
15. Auroras Effects from strong solar flares – lights up Earth’s atmosphere Northern/Southern lights – North/South Pole Varies in shapes, sizes, and colors Aurora Australis Aurora Borealis http://www.itsnature.org/travel/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/p6133sv.jpg http://geology.com/nasa/aurora-borealis.shtml
16. Solar Eclipse Eclipse of the sun Alignment between Earth-Moon-Sun New Moon Phase – casts dark shadow on Earth http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_eclipse
17. Disruption of Radio/Satellite Communications Solar flares – large outburst of particles can reach Earth – affecting radio and satellite communications. Very rare events
18. Summary Sun has 4 major layers Solar activities may include: prominences, sunspots, and solar flares Nuclear fusion and P-P chain Events – auroras, solar eclipses, and disruption in radio or satellite communications due to solar flares