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The Sun. NASA photograph, Skylab, 10 December 1973. Sun Facts. Mass 1.989 × 10 30 kg (99.9% of Solar system) Diameter 1.39 million km (109 times Earth) Surface Temperature 6000K Energy Output 3.826 × 10 36 W. Spectrum of the Sun. Source: McMath-Pierce Solar Observatories. Layers.
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The Sun NASA photograph, Skylab, 10 December 1973
Sun Facts • Mass 1.989 × 1030 kg (99.9% of Solar system) • Diameter 1.39 million km (109 times Earth) • Surface Temperature 6000K • Energy Output 3.826 × 1036 W
Spectrum of the Sun Source: McMath-Pierce Solar Observatories
Layers Source:Gribbin & Gribbin, From Here to Infinity, 2008, p. 68
Sun’s corona Source: Koen van Gorp
Density Source: Arny & Schneider, Explorations, p.314.
Fusion in the Core Source: Seeds, Horizons: Exploring the Universe Net reaction: 4 p+ 4He + 2 e+ + 2 n+ 2 g
Surface • Granules • convection cells • Around 1000 km across • Typically last about 10 minutes Source: NOAO
Sunspots • Relatively cool surface region • Associated with magnetic disruptions Source: Vacuum Tower Telescope, National Solar Observatory
Sun’s Magnetic Field • Sun’s interior (plasma) conducts electric current • Sun rotates: faster at equator than poles
Gas circulation Source: Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)
Solar Cycle Source: Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO)
Solar cycle • Magnetic field reverses every ~11 yr Source:Gribbin & Gribbin, From Here to Infinity, 2008, p. 72