Topic 10 - Solar Astronomy Flashcards
Name three methods to view the Sun safely.
Pin-hole camera
Telescopic Projection
H-alpha filter
List the divisions of the Sun in order, heading outwards.
Core, radiative zone, convective zone, photosphere, chromosphere, corona
How hot is the Sun’s core?
15 000 000K
How hot is the Sun’s radiative zone?
7 000 000 - 2 000 000 K
How hot is the Sun’s convective zone?
2 000 000 - 5800 K
How hot is the Sun’s photosphere?
5800K
How hot is the Sun’s chromosphere?
5800 - 100 000 K
How hot is the Sun’s corona?
100 000 - 2 000 000 K
What happens in the Sun’s core?
Fusion occurs.
What happens in the Sun’s radiative zone?
Energy is radiated outwards but it takes a long time because the photons collide with matter.
What happens in the Sun’s convective zone?
Energy is transferred outwards through convection currents.
How many protons are needed to produce a helium nucleus?
4
How many protons are actually used to produce a helium nucleus?
6 are used however a helium nucleus and 2 protons are the products.
What are sunspots?
Areas on the photosphere which appear darker and therefore cooler.
What is the structure of a sunspot.
A central, darker, umbra with a lighter surrounding penumbra.
How hot are sunspots?
The umbra is 4000K and the penumbra is 5600K
What causes sunspots?
They are caused by changes in the Sun’s magnetic field. Coronal loops are ejected from the Sun and become wound up. They can then puncture the chromosphere, causing lower temperatures.
What is the solar wind?
It flows outwards from the Sun and consists of protons and electrons in a state called plasma. A solar magnetic field flows with it.
What is a geomagnetic storm?
A disturbance of the Earth’s magnetosphere.
How does the solar wind affect travel?
- Satellites can be damaged.
- Aircraft that fly over the polar regions can lose communication systems in a Solar storm.
- Astronauts need protection
What is the magnetosphere?
The interaction of the solar wind with our magnetic field.
What are the Van Allen belts?
The Van Allen radiation belts are giant swaths of magnetically trapped, highly energetic charged particles that surround Earth.
