The Sun – Our Local Star Only star in our solar system Consists mostly of Hydrogen Gas

1. The Sun – Our Local Star • Only star in our solar system • Consists mostly of Hydrogen Gas • Hydrogen turns into helium producing energy that is the source of light and warmth that makes life possible on Earth

2. Layers of the Sun: Interior – core – fusion takes place in the core, energy is produced through fusion (defn: hydrogen particles collide and combine to form helium) radiative zone – energy moves by radiation convection zone – currents of hot gas carry energy outward (sun’s surface) (defn: transfer of energy from place to place by the motion of heated gas or liquid) Atmosphere – photosphere – visible layer of the Sun chromosphere – middle layer of Sun’s atmosphere corona – outermost layer of the sun, low density, it is only visible during a total solar eclipse

3. Sunspots: Spots on the photosphere that are cooler than surrounding areas Solar Flare: Eruption of hot gas from the Sun’s surface Prominence: Huge loops of glowing gas that extend into the corona

4. Solar Wind: electrically charged particles that flow out in all directions from the corona Auroras: beautiful patterns of glowing light in the sky produced by solar-wind particles that enter the upper atmosphere and release energy