Chapter 14  The Sun

 

 What is this?

 

The Stats

         Rotates in 25-30 days

 

Energy Source

         Nuclear fusion  hydrogen burning

         How can the protons get together? 

         Needs 15 million K and 100+ g/cm3 gravitational equilibrium

 

         The solar ‘thermostat’

 

Interior

         Model temperature  density

         How do we know? 

Neutrinos  1 2  and vibrations and physics

 

How does the energy get out?  Slowly.

         Radiation

         Convection   granulation  model

       

 

 What is this?

 

 

Atmosphere

         Photosphere 

                 Why sunspots?  Magnetic fields  Zeeman effect

                 Also effect other layers.

         Chromosphere and Corona

                 Prominences  1 2 3

                 Coronal loops  Eruptions Flares    x-ray flare multi-wavelength

 

Sunspot cycle

         About 11 year cycle  position

         The model

 

Effects on the Earth

         Solar wind

         aurora

 

 

 Review Questions for Chapter 14