1. The Sun

2. Sun Facts 1.4 million km diameter (Fit 1 million Earths)
Located 150 million km from Earth (1 a.u.)
Produces Energy by NUCLEAR FUSION
H + H  He
Contains 99% of all the matter in the solar system!

3. Effects on Earth Holds Earth in orbit due to gravity.
Produces energy required for life.
No Sun = No life
Solar flares produce particles which interact with the Earth’s magnetic field producing the Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
These same particles can interfere with radio waves and electrical circuits.

4. Parts of the Sun

5. Core – Hydrogen fused into Helium
Radiative Envelope – Energy released from core travels outward. Takes over 5 million years.
Convective Envelope – Gas here carries energy to surface. Cools, sinks, and rises again.
Photosphere (Surface) – Layer giving off energy to solar system. Approx 6000oC.
Chromosphere – Lowest part of Sun’s atmosphere.
Corona – Upper level of Sun’s atmosphere. Only visible during solar eclipse. Approximately oC. Temperature not understood! Like placing water in an freezer and it boils!
Solar Flares/Prominences – Violent explosions in the chromosphere. 
Sunspots – “Cool” areas of the photosphere.