1. The Sun
Lesson Objective: Students will be able to name the 6 layers of the sun.
Success Skills
I will divide the sun into inner zones and outer atmospheres
I will learn the zones have 3 layers
I will learn the Atmospheres have 3 layers

2. The Sun Diameter-1,300,000 km 1 million earths could
fit inside the sun
The sun rotates on its axis
once every 27 earth days.
(33 at poles 25.3 at equator)
92 % Hydrogen & 8% Helium + traces of other elements

3. The Sun is made of 6 layers 3 Inner layers (inner zones) 3 Outer layers (atmosphere)
The Sun is made of mostly HYDROGEN and HELIUM

4. Structure or the Sun Atmosphere (outer layers): Inner Zones:
(inner layers):
Core
Radiative Zone
Convection Zone
Atmosphere (outer layers):
Photosphere
Chromosphere
Corona

5. Inner Zone
Core
Radiative Zone
Convective Zone

6. The Core…15,000,000 oC
The core is so hot & under so much pressure that FUSION can take place. H+ HHe
Fusion of N, O & C can also
take place because of the
heat & pressure in the core.
Fusion is what makes the Sun’s energy = heat & light!

7. The Radiative Zone 2,500,000 oC surrounds the core Ionized gas
Energy travels in electromagnetic waves

8. As seen from the top, these are the granules we see in the photosphere
The Convective Zone 1,000,000 oC
Energy moves through convection – rising & sinking of gas and liquid.
Photosphere
The hot atoms of gas expand
& become less dense, they
carry the energy to the surface.
At the surface the atoms cool,
become denser & sink back
down. this repeats.
Convective “cells”:
As seen from the top, these are the granules we see in the photosphere

9. Outer Layers- Atmosphere
Photosphere
Chromosphere
Corona

10. The Photosphere = sphere of light 6,000 oC
This is the “surface” of the Sun
Energy is given off in
the form of light that
we see on earth.
Granulation- a grainy
appearance from
the rising/sinking gases in
convection zone.
sunspots

11. As seen from the top, these are the granules we see in the photosphere
Granulations…
Photosphere
Convective “cells”:
As seen from the top, these are the granules we see in the photosphere

12. The Chromosphere=4,000-50,000oC
sphere of color- layer glows with reddish light
has energetic magnetic activity:
Flares
Prominences (those loopy things)
Spicules

13. The Corona Can only be seen during a solar eclipse!
Outer layer of the Sun
Millions of degrees but very diffuse
Extends millions of kilometers into space
Hot and energetic, gives off lots of x-rays!

14. Okay, let’s get out of the core. It’s hot in here.
A QUICK REVIEW:
(layers not to scale)
Convective Zone
Corona
Chromosphere
Radiative Zone
Core
Photosphere