What is the Sun like? Chapter 30.1

The Sun is the largest object in the solar system The Sun is the largest object in the solar system It’s diameter is about 109 times that of Earth It’s diameter is about 109 times that of Earth It contains over 99% of the mass It contains over 99% of the mass The Sun’s density is similar to that of the gas giant planets because it is also made mostly of hydrogen and helium The Sun’s density is similar to that of the gas giant planets because it is also made mostly of hydrogen and helium

The Sun has a layered structure, from inside out: The Sun has a layered structure, from inside out: Core Core Radiative Zone Radiative Zone Convective Zone Convective Zone Photosphere Photosphere Chromosphere Chromosphere Corona Corona

The energy of the Sun is produced by fusion in the core The energy of the Sun is produced by fusion in the core The “surface” of the Sun that we see is the photosphere. The “surface” of the Sun that we see is the photosphere. The last layer, the corona doesn’t really end, it just gets less and less dense, giving off particles called “solar wind”. The last layer, the corona doesn’t really end, it just gets less and less dense, giving off particles called “solar wind”. When the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field it creates the auroras in the ionosphere. When the solar wind interacts with Earth’s magnetic field it creates the auroras in the ionosphere.