Layers of the Sun Flashcards

Created by

@GuiltlessCyan

Study Notes

Layers of the Sun

Core: The innermost layer where nuclear fusion occurs, producing energy that powers the Sun.
Radiative Zone: The layer surrounding the core, where energy is transferred outward through radiation; it takes millions of years for energy to pass through this zone.
Convection Zone: The outer layer of the Sun’s interior, characterized by convective currents that transport energy to the surface; hot plasma rises, cools, and then sinks.
Photosphere: The visible surface of the Sun that emits light; it has a temperature of approximately 5,500 degrees Celsius and is where sunspots occur.
Chromosphere: Located above the photosphere, this layer is seen during solar eclipses as a reddish glow and has a temperature range of about 4,500 to 20,000 degrees Celsius.
Transition Region: A thin layer between the chromosphere and corona where temperature rapidly increases; plays a role in heating the solar corona.
Corona: The outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere, extending millions of kilometers into space; characterized by high temperatures (up to 2 million degrees Celsius) and visible during total solar eclipses.

Description

Explore the various layers of the Sun with these flashcards. Each card provides key terms and definitions, helping you understand the structure of our star from the core to the corona. Ideal for students studying solar science and astronomy.