The Sun interacts with the Earth through Electromagnetic Radiation and The Solar Wind
Image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Electromagnetic Radiation
Travels at the speed of light, 300,000 km/s (186,000 mi/s) Takes approximately 8 minutes to reach the Earth
Image courtesy of Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA)
The Solar Wind
Consists of charged particles (protons and electrons) Takes several days to reach the earth Average density is 510 particles per cubic centimeter
Courtesy of SOHO/EIT consortium. SOHO is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA
Sun Structure
Image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The Core
It’s HOT!!!! 15 Million degrees Kelvin It’s DENSE!!!! 10 times more dense than lead
And……
Image courtesy of Tungsten Heavy Powder, Inc.
Fusion
At that temperature and density, nuclear fusion occurs Fusion is the source of the sun’s electromagnetic radiation
Image courtesy of the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory
Did You Know?
The sun converts 5 million tons of matter into energy every second.
Radiative Zone
Energy is transported from the core through radiation Energy is constantly absorbed and reemitted by atoms
Courtesy of SOHO/EIT consortium. SOHO is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA
It’s a LONG Road
It takes thousands to millions of years for the energy released by the fusion process to reach the sun’s convective zone
Image credit Yohkoh Public Outreach Project
Convective Zone
Energy transfer is similar to motion of boiling water in a pot Hot interior gases move outward as cooler gases sink
Image courtesy of the Alder Planetarium
PHOTOSPHERE
Layer of the Sun we see Visible sunspots Exhibits granulation
Image courtesy of Space Science News
Solar Granules
Visible proof of convection zone Masses of hot gas that rise and fall Each granule is about the size of an earth continent
Image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Corona
Sun’s outer atmosphere Temperature rises to millions of degrees K Extends millions of kilometers into space
Image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Did You Know?
The Sun’s corona or atmosphere is hundreds of times hotter than its surface
Image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Solar Events
Sun spots Solar flares Coronal mass ejections (CME’s)
Courtesy of SOHO/EIT consortium. SOHO is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA
Sun Spots
Cool areas of the photosphere Number varies in approximate 11 year solar cycle Produced by local solar magnetic fields
Size of Earth
Courtesy of SOHO/MDI consortium. SOHO is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA
Solar Flares
Most occur in and around sun spots Frequency follows solar cycle Source of dangerous levels of radiation
solar flare
Courtesy of SOHO/EIT consortium. SOHO is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA
Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)
Eruption of large bubble of solar material Creates the most adverse effect on Earth’s magnetosphere
Courtesy of SOHO/LASCO consortium. SOHO is a project of international cooperation between ESA and NASA
The Structure of the Earth
Two main components of the earth system affected by solar activity are: The earth’s ionosphere (upper atmosphere) The earth’s magnetic field, called the magnetosphere
Image credit – The Canadian Space Agency http://www.space.gc.ca/
Image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
The Ionosphere
Far above the area in which we live Layer of the earth's atmosphere that is ionized by solar radiation Plays a significant role in radio, television, and satellite communications
Courtesy of Windows to the Universe, http://www.windows.ucar.edu
The Magnetosphere
Area of space around the Earth that is controlled by the Earth's magnetic field Shape is the direct result of being blasted by solar wind Protects us from most of the harmful effects of space weather
Image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Space Weather
The condition of the space environment influenced by the sun Earth consequences can be beautiful but disruptive
Image courtesy of Stanford Solar Center
Aurora Borealis
Also known as the northern lights Solar wind excites gases in the ionosphere Most common sign of space weather activity
Image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Did You Know?
During a major solar storm, auroras can be seen as far south as Florida, Texas, and even Mexico.
Image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Satellite, communications, and power disturbances
Image courtesy of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)