The Sun

These flashcards cover key vocabulary terms related to the structure and phenomena of the Sun as discussed in the lecture.

Photosphere

The visible surface of the Sun that emits light and is about 4000 km of gas at a temperature of 5800K.

Chromosphere

The layer above the photosphere that shines red light and is sculpted by magnetic fields; it contains spicules that rise upward.

Corona

The outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere, visible during a solar eclipse, with a temperature of 2 million degrees K.

Solar Wind

Stream of charged particles released from the solar corona, travelling at speeds of 500 km/s to Earth.

Sunspots

Dark areas on the Sun's surface that are cooler than surrounding areas, typically 10,000 km across.

Helioseismology

The study of surface waves on the Sun, allowing for insights into its internal structure.

Prominence

Loops of glowing gas that are ejected from the solar surface and can form large structures in the corona.

Coronal Hole

Cooler regions in the Sun that allow gas to escape into space.

Solar Flare

A sudden eruption of energy on the Sun, characterized by rapid temperature increases and energetic particle emissions.

Hydrostatic Equilibrium

The balance of forces in the Sun where pressure from the core pushes gases outward and gravity pulls them inward.