What is the fate of our sun and other stars? The Sun What is the fate of our sun and other stars?

The Sun’s Properties 99% of all mass in the solar system 330,000 times more massive than Earth Interior Temperature: 10,000,000K Inner layer: mostly plasma

The Sun’s Atmosphere Photosphere Visible surface of the sun 400km thick Average temp: 5800K Lowest layer, but most light

The Sun’s Atmosphere Chromosphere Outside of photosphere 2500km thick Visible during solar eclipse

The Sun’s Atmosphere Corona Outermost layer of sun Low Density Dim, only seen in eclipse Temp: 1million K – 2million K

Solar Wind The corona does not have a true edge Gas flows out of the corona at high speeds Forms the Solar Wind Reaches speeds of 400km/s Causes Auroras

Solar Activity Sunspots Dark spots on surface of photosphere Appear darker because they are cooler Magnetic Field pokes through Hot gases can’t rise

Solar Activity Cycles every 22.4 years Maximum sunspots every 11.2 years Magnetic field reverses

Other Solar Features Coronal Holes Solar Flares Prominence Low density Solar Wind Escapes Solar Flares Eruptions of particles and radiation Prominence Arc of gas ejected from chromosphere

Solar Energy The sun produces energy largely from Fusion Fusion – combination of hydrogen atoms to make helium Energy is produced in core of sun Energy near the core is transported through a radiation zone (86%) Near the surface energy is transported through convection currents