The Sun’s effect

Question 1

What are Magnetic fields are created by?

Answer 1

moving charges (electrons)
in the sun: convection layer

Question 2

Solar dynamo

Answer 2

converting kinetic energy into electricity

Question 3

Differential rotation

Answer 3

rotation rate of the plasma varies with solar latitude

Question 4

Zeeman effect

Answer 4

split spectral lines because of a magnetic field

Question 5

Heliosphere

Answer 5

sphere of magnetic influence of our star

Question 6

Solar cycle

Answer 6

11 year cycle of the sun, can be tracked with sunspots

Question 7

Solar prominence (filaments)

Answer 7

Sunspots often occur in pairs linked by magnetic field line. Gas of chromosphere becomes trapped along the Closed field lines

Question 8

Solar Wind

Answer 8

Particles from the Sun can escape the star where magnetic field lines are open (do not connect)
Typical solar wind speeds = 400 km/s (1 million mph)

Question 9

Coronal holes

Answer 9

are where the solar wind escapes

Question 10

What is the structure of the Sun’s layers?

Answer 10

Core
Radiative zone
Convective zone
Photosphere
Chromosphere
Corona

Question 11

Hydrostatic equilibrium

Answer 11

Gravitate pushing in Sun, And the pressure pushing out is equal. Making it stable (+) + (-) =0

Question 12

Solar maximum

Answer 12

peak number of sunspots

Question 13

Solar minimum

Answer 13

lowest number of sunspots

Question 14

Aurora

Answer 14

Molecules in Earth’s atmosphere are excited by solar wind particles causing them to emit light

Question 15

Aurora borealis and Aurora australis

Answer 15

Aurora borealis (Northern lights)
Aurora australis (Southern lights)

Question 16

Solar storms bring ______ to Earth’s atmosphere

Answer 16

X-rays, energetic particles, and intense ultraviolet radiation

Question 17

Whats can happen to the earth atmosphere with the extra energy from Solar storms?

Answer 17

Earth’s ionosphere (part of atmosphere) can also be heated and become inflated.

Question 18

A heated and become inflated, ionosphere can cause what negative effects?

Answer 18

This causes extra drag on satellites pulling them into lower orbits. Also distorts radio signals sent by spacecraft.

Question 19

Coronal mass ejection (CME)

Answer 19

CME, particles can travel closer to 750 km/s and carry with them strong magnetic fields
open field lines

Question 20

Dangers to earth during a solar storm?

Answer 20

ionosphere inflation
Can completely fry the electronics on board some satellites, disable your GPS communications, fry electrical grids and cause widespread blackouts
Higher levels of radiation for astronauts

Question 21

Suns next phase?

Answer 21

Red Giant, leaving main sequences its in now

Question 22

Life on earth when the sun is a Red Giant?

Answer 22

No, Will either be burned up or be flung out into space and be an ice ball.

Question 23

Butterfly diagram

Answer 23

Sunspots shift with the solar cycle. The are concentrated in two latitude bands (N30 and S30) on either side of the equator. The move and increase as they move towards the equator. Creating a butterfly shaped diagram.

Question 24

Solar flare

Answer 24

The most violent event on the surface of the Sun is a rapid eruption

Question 25

Why are we interested in tracking the cycle?

Answer 25

better predict “storms” and their consequence on Earth.