the sun
A YELLOW STAR
By Emily Qualls
The Sun
The Sun's Layers
The Sun's Core
This is the central region of the star where nuclear reactions occur, taking in hydrogen and forming helium. These reactions release energy as light, and are highly sensitive to temperature and density.
The Radiative Zone
This is the section between the core and convective zone. Here, energy from the core moves outward as electromagnetic radiation, energy is conveyed by photons.
Convective Zone
This is the part located between the photosphere and the radiative zone. In this zone, hot plasma rises, cools as it reaches the surface, and falls to be heated and rise again.
Photosphere
This is the surface of the sun. Sunspots appear on this layer and are seen as black spots on the suns yellow surface. The photosphere has a granulated texture, almost bumpy and bubble-like.
Cromosphere
This is the layer above the photosphere. It appears as a red glow around the sun and is almost transparent, and can be hard to see sometimes in photos.
Corona
This is the outermost layer of gases that surround the sun, and is only visible during a solar eclipse. Corona means crown, and looks like one when visible. This layer is not usually seen because of the brightness of the photosphere.
Sunspots
Sunspots are dark circles that appear on the surface of the sun, and look like holes. They are actually just cooler spots on the surface. Solar flares often occur near sunspots because of the temperature difference.
Prominence
Solar prominences are huge arches of glowing gas that extend outwards from the sun. They look like loops and occur as eruptions on the surface that are held by the sun's magnetic force and can last months
Flare
Solar flares are explosions that occur on the photosphere, and often occur near sunspots. These happen when magnetic energy has built up and is suddenly released.
Aurora
These are electric reactions that show as brightly colored lights in the sky, such as the Northern Lights phenomenon. This is caused by the sun's energy that is fueled by electrically charged particles in earth's magnetic field. Aurora's are proof of the sun and earth's interaction.