Cosmic rays and solar flares

1. Cosmic rays and solar flares Draw in the back of your book the life cycle of a star

2. Solar flares and Cosmic raysYou should learn: • Cosmic rays are fast-moving ionising particles from the Sun. • The Earth’s magnetic field prevents them from reaching us because they would be very harmful • Solar flares (bursts of energy from the Sun) interfere with these satellite systems. P2e

3. Cosmic rays • Cosmic rays are not really rays at all, they are a stream of particles of ionised atoms. • They can range from a single proton to the nucleus of an iron atom-or larger • The most common cosmic ray is a alpha particle (3protons and 2 neutrons) • Cosmic rays originate in space and are produced form sources such as: • The sun • Other stars • Supernova and their remains • Neutron stars and black holes • Distant galaxies

4. Cosmic ray particles are travelling at speeds close to that of light and they have a lot of energy • The rays interact with the magnetic field of the earth, spiralling around the field lines • Producing a concentration of cosmic rays at the north and south poles

5. On certain nights these shifting patterns can be seen in the sky. • They are called Auroras • These bright lights are caused by cosmic rays streaming out from the sun and striking earths upper atmosphere • Energy from these charged particles is converted into light and forms visible glows, rays, arcs, bands and veils. • Usually green but can be red or purple

11. Cosmic rays are __________ particles from the Sun, ______ and ________. The most common type of particle is a __________ particle. They interact with the Earth’s __________ field. Energy from these charged particles is converted into light which can be seen in the _______ _______ and _______ ______ called Auroras. These bright lights are caused by ________ rays streaming out from the sun and striking earths upper___________. Cosmic rays

12. Solar flares • A solar flare is a violent explosion above the suns surface. • A large amount of energy is released

13. Solar flares may last for 10 mins and will produce more energy than a MILLION hydrogen bombs. • There is a peak in this type of activity ever 10-11 yrs, during which large numbers of charged particles are released at very high speeds • This results in the production of a magnetic field that interacts with the earths magnetic field

14. Only a small amount of energy reaches the earth from a solar flare, but it is enough to interfere with radio and microwave transmissions • They can also affect electrical power distribution in the national grid

15. Solar flares • A solar flare is a ___________ above the suns surface. A large amount of _________ is released. • A solar flare consists of charged particles from the ______ that travel at high speed and produce strong ________ fields. • Solar _______ interfere with the operation of satellites by interfering with ______________ and _______________. They also can cause ____________ __________.

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