1. The Sun
Our local star

2. The sun is the only star in our solar system
*It is larger than any of the planets
*If the Earth had the mass of a sparrow, the Sun would have the mass of an elephant!

3. How does the sun produce energy?
The sun is made up of hydrogen gas
Energy is produced when hydrogen gas turns into helium gas
This occurs in the Sun’s interior and produces light and heat for planet Earth

4. Layers

5. Layers Core – It is VERY hot and is where fusion occurs
Interior:
Core – It is VERY hot and is where fusion occurs
Fusion – hydrogen particles combine to form helium
This energy is released by radiation
Radiative zone – this is where energy is moved through the core by radiation
Convection zone – this is where currents of hot gas carry energy outward, toward the Sun’s surface
Convection is the transfer of energy from place to place by the motion of heated gas or liquid

6. Layers Exterior: The Sun’s outer layers are called its atmosphere
Photosphere – the visible layer of the Sun, it is what we see!
It is often called the Sun’s surface
Chromosphere – a thin, middle layer
Corona – the outermost layer, it has a low density
This can only be seen during a solar eclipse, when the photosphere is hidden

7. Features
Solar wind – electrically charged particles that flow outward in all directions
This causes auroras – which occur when solar wind particles enter the atmosphere and release energy

8. Features
Solar Flare – an eruption of hot gas from the Sun’s surface. This occurs near sunspots
Sunspots are cool portions of the sun which move across the Sun’s surface

9. Features
Prominences – huge loops of glowing gas that extends into the corona