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Question
Explain the structure of the sun with a diagram.
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Solution
Convection ZoneThe convection zone is the outer-most layer of the interior. It extends from a depth of 200,000 km up to the visible surface of the Sun. Energy is transported by convection in this region. The surface of the convection zone is where light (photons) is created.
CoronaOur Sun is surrounded by a jacket of gases called an atmosphere. The corona is the outermost part of the Sun's atmosphere. The corona is usually hidden by the bright light of the Sun's surface. During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between Earth and the Sun.
PhotosphereThe photosphere is the visible "surface" of the Sun. The Sun is a giant ball of plasma (electrified gas), so it doesn't have a distinct, solid surface like Earth. This level is what we see as the glowing "surface" of the Sun - the photosphere. The temperature of the photosphere is around 5,500°C (about 9,900°F).
ProminenceA solar prominence (also known as a filament when viewed against the solar disk) is a large, bright feature extending outward from the Sun's surface.
Radiactive zoneThe Sun's radiative zone is the section of the solar interior between the innermost core and the outer convective zone. In the radiative zone, energy generated by nuclear fusion in the core moves outward as electromagnetic radiation.
SunspotSunspots are temporary phenomena on the Sun's photosphere that appear as spots darker than the surrounding areas. They are regions of reduced surface temperature caused by concentrations of magnetic field flux that inhibit convection. Sunspots usually appear in pairs of opposite magnetic polarity.
CoreThe Sun's core is the central region where nuclear reactions consume hydrogen to form helium. These reactions release the energy that ultimately leaves the surface as visible light. These reactions are highly sensitive to temperature and density.
ChromosphereThe chromosphere is the second most outer layer of the Sun. Several thousand kilometers thick, it resides above the photosphere and beneath the corona. Due to its low density, it is relatively transparent, resulting in the photosphere being regarded as the visual surface of the Sun.
Coronal holeA coronal hole is a large region in the corona which is less dense and is cooler than its surroundings. Such holes may appear at any time of the solar cycle but they are most common during the declining phase of the cycle. Coronal holes occur when the Sun's magnetic field is open to interplanetary space.
Convection Zone
The convection zone is the outer-most layer of the interior. It extends from a depth of 200,000 km up to the visible surface of the Sun. Energy is transported by convection in this region. The surface of the convection zone is where light (photons) is created.Corona
Our Sun is surrounded by a jacket of gases called an atmosphere. The corona is the outermost part of the Sun's atmosphere. The corona is usually hidden by the bright light of the Sun's surface. During a total solar eclipse, the moon passes between Earth and the Sun.
Photosphere
The photosphere is the visible "surface" of the Sun. The Sun is a giant ball of plasma (electrified gas), so it doesn't have a distinct, solid surface like Earth. This level is what we see as the glowing "surface" of the Sun - the photosphere. The temperature of the photosphere is around 5,500°C (about 9,900°F).
Prominence
A solar prominence (also known as a filament when viewed against the solar disk) is a large, bright feature extending outward from the Sun's surface.
Radiactive zone
The Sun's radiative zone is the section of the solar interior between the innermost core and the outer convective zone. In the radiative zone, energy generated by nuclear fusion in the core moves outward as electromagnetic radiation.
Sunspot
Sunspots are temporary phenomena on the Sun's photosphere that appear as spots darker than the surrounding areas. They are regions of reduced surface temperature caused by concentrations of magnetic field flux that inhibit convection. Sunspots usually appear in pairs of opposite magnetic polarity.
Core
The Sun's core is the central region where nuclear reactions consume hydrogen to form helium. These reactions release the energy that ultimately leaves the surface as visible light. These reactions are highly sensitive to temperature and density.
Chromosphere
The chromosphere is the second most outer layer of the Sun. Several thousand kilometers thick, it resides above the photosphere and beneath the corona. Due to its low density, it is relatively transparent, resulting in the photosphere being regarded as the visual surface of the Sun.
Coronal hole
A coronal hole is a large region in the corona which is less dense and is cooler than its surroundings. Such holes may appear at any time of the solar cycle but they are most common during the declining phase of the cycle. Coronal holes occur when the Sun's magnetic field is open to interplanetary space.
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