Solar Spectra: A look into temperatures and elements present on the sun

by: Vera Pape

Grade levels: 6th - 12th

Time Requirements: Approximately 2 to 4 hours preparation time and 5 to 10 class periods (50 minutes each)

Student prerequisites: Students should have learned about the periodic table of elements and element symbols, the four states of matter and composition of matter, the parts of an atom, chemical and physical properties and changes, convection currents, the electromagnetic spectrum, our solar system, light, vision and color. Students should also possess skills in graphing as well as reading and interpreting various graphs. Students should understand the English and Metric measuring systems and their conversions.

Topics covered by this lesson:

1. Our sun - its parts, composition and activity - includes sunspots, CME's etc.

2. How temperature affects the color of a star - as it appears to us in visible light

3. Types and classes of stars

4. Energy produced by electron loss and ionization

5. Solar spectrum and element absorption/emission lines

6. Solar and space weather and its effects on Earth

Optional ~ higher grade levels

1. Radiation, blackbody radiation

2. Wien's Law calculations

3. Hydrostatic equilibrium

4. Sunspots and the Zeeman effect

5. Doppler effect and stellar motions

Brief Overview: Students will look at various graphs and data from solar observatories and distinguish what elements are being releasted (emitted) and which elements are being absorbed in the sun's photosphere.

Unit Features: