Inner Workings of the Sun

(87)

• Sun is mostly hydrogen and helium gas (plasma).

• Core (15,000,000 ° C): – Fuels the sun, where the fusing of Hydrogen

Helium occurs.

• Convection Zone: Surrounds the core.– Energy from core moves through here toward

surface. – Hot gases rise and sink (as they cool) in convection

currents.

Hydrogen Fusion

Sunspots

• Dark spots on the sun’s surface (photosphere).

• ~16,000 mi across.

• Occur in pairs.

• Cooler than the rest of the photosphere and look darker – 4200K compared to 5800K.

Solar (Sunspot) Cycle• Go from minimum # to maximum #

every 11 years.

• May be linked to how much energy the sun releases.– Little ice age 1500-1850.

What are Sunspots?

• Very strong magnetic fields.

• Trap hot gas from rising to the sun’s surface (why it appears dark).

Cause of Sunspots

• Sun’s magnetic field.– Sun rotates at different speeds.

• Its magnetic field bends and twists.

– Stores a lot of energy in the fields above sunspots. (like a rubber band)

• Sunspot pairs: one is a (+) pole and the other a (-) pole.

Releasing Sunspot Energy• Prominences:

– Gases trapped in a magnetic field above sunspots.

• Solar Flares: – Appear quickly.– Occur when oppositely directed magnetic fields

collide.– Release X and UV rays.

• May disrupt radio waves on earth, damage satellites, or cause electrical power surges.

• Coronal Mass Ejections (CME): violent solar wind.– Caused by a flare.– Sends out hot gas from the corona.– Can cause auroras.

Jupiter

Earth

17

Our Sun

Sun Tattoo Art (86)• You are in charge of developing a tattoo to allow

the world to know about one of the concepts we’ve just discussed.

1. The centerpiece of the tattoo must be the concept.

2. The surrounding artwork (minimum of 4 colors) must demonstrate the concept.

3. The artwork must be school appropriate.

4. Write a 5-8 sentence explanation of how the artwork represents the concept.