Structure of the Sun

Preparation for Science Summative

Sunspots

These are areas on the sun’s surface that appear darker because they are of a lower temperature than surrounding areas

Flares

Bursts of energy that flash off of the sun’s surface

Prominence

Large flares of energy that loop back to the sun’s surface

Photosphere

This is the visible layer of the sun, but it is cooler than the outer two layers

Chromosphere

It is a reddish color but is not visible to the eye

Core

It is the hottest part of the solar system. Almost all of the sun’s energy is produced here by fusion and moves outwards

Corona

It is the outermost surface of the Sun. It is only visible during a solar eclipse and is much hotter than the visible surface of the sun.