The Sun

The Sun

• 99% of the matter of the solar system is in the Sun.

• The Sun is an Average Star (main sequence star)

• The sun is not a Binary Star. (most stars have a “Companion”)

The Sun’s Energy

• The Sun is a ball of gas Fusing Hydrogen into Helium at its Core.

Nuclear Fusion

Parts of the Sun

• Photosphere: Lowest layer of the Sun’s Atmosphere.

Gives off light

10,000 degrees Fahrenheit

Parts of the Sun

• Chromosphere: Reddish layer above the Photosphere

Parts of the Sun

• Corona: Above the Chromosphere

Largest layer of the Sun

Solar Wind: Charged particles come off the

Corona

Corona during

A Solar Eclipse

Parts of the Sun

• Sunspots: Dark spots.

• Cooler than the surrounding area• Magnetic• They may cause Flares and Prominences• Occur in a 11 year cycle

Parts of the Sun

• Prominences: Huge arching columns of Gas

Parts of the Sun

• Solar Flares: Largest explosions on the Sun.

• They can cause the Northern Lights

Northern Lights