Unit 3: Parts of the Sun Flashcards
Outer Parts…
Photosphere, Chromosphere, Corona
Interior Parts…
Core, Radioactive Zone, Convection Zone
What is the Core?
The very center of the sun; nuclear fusion occurs here (consumes hydrogen & produces helium) that releases energy, ultimately causing the visible light we see
What is the Radioactive Zone?
Reaches from the Core to the edge of the Convection Zone; energy is transported in the form of radiation
What is the Convection Zone?
Outermost layer of the internal makeup of the sun, reaching from the edge of the Radioactive Zone to the surface of the sun; its motion is granules and supergranules
What is the Photosphere?
The visible surface of the sun
What is the Chromosphere?
An irregular layer directly above the Photosphere; temperature rises dramatically in this region
What is the Corona?
The outermost layer of the sun’s atmosphere; solar winds exist outside of this layer
What are Sunspots?
Dips in temperature on the surface of the sun; they appear as dark spots
What are Granules?
They are convection cells within the photosphere; this is why photos of the sun look grainy
What is Prominence?
They are large, bright features that extend off the surface of the sun; they start in the photosphere and extend out towards the corona
