The Sun
A Smore On The Layers Of The Sun
There Are 6 Major Layers Of The Sun
- Core
- Radiative Zone
- Convective Zone
- Photosphere
- Chromosphere
- Corona
The Core
The Core of the Sun extends from the center to about 20%-25% of the entire solar radius. It is incredibly dense and is where all of the nuclear fusion, the Sun's life sustaining life force, occurs. The temperature of the core is about 15.7 million Kelvin (K).
Radiative Zone
The radiative zone is not nearly as dense as the core, and is the layer of the sun where heat and energy created by the core is radiated out, as there is not enough of a temperature difference for there to be noticeable convection. The temperature does drop to about 2 million Kelvin with distance from the core.
Convective Zone
The convective zone is the layer that extends from the radiative zone almost to the surface of the sun. Due to the temperature and mass of this layer, radiation is not as effective as it was, and convection begins instead. Plasma located next to the radiative zone is heated up and begins to rise, carrying the heat to the surface where it is released into space. The now cool plasma then sinks to pick up more heat and repeat the cycle. The temperature has now dropped to about 5,700 K.
Photosphere
The visible surface of the Sun, where white light and heat is emitted. It is thousands of kilometers thick and sits at a temperature of about 6,000 Kelvin
Chromosphere
The Chromosphere is a layer of emissions and absorption lines around the photosphere.
Corona
The Corona is the light aura that surrounds the sun and is only visible to the naked eye during an event like a solar eclipse.
Sunspots
Relatively small spots on the surface of the Sun where the area is slightly cooler than the rest of the surface, making them appear darker than the surrounding area.
Prominance
A large, bright, gaseous protrusion extending outward from the surface of the Sun, often in a loop shape. They are anchored to the surface of the photosphere and extend out towards the corona.
Flare
A sudden release in radiation and emissions caused by the sudden release of built up magnetic forces. Releases everything from radio waves to gamma waves.
Aurora
An atmospheric phenomenon consisting of bands of light caused by charged solar particles following Earth's magnetic field of force.