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Notes on Astro 4 Lecture 11: The Sun's Structure and Composition, Study Guides, Projects, Research of Earth, Atmospheric, and Planetary Sciences

An in-depth exploration of the sun's structure, including its various layers, temperature, density, and the processes that occur within each region. From the surface layers like the photosphere and chromosphere to the inner structure consisting of the convection zone, radiative zone, and core, this document offers valuable insights into the sun's composition and the mechanisms that sustain its energy production.

What you will learn

  • What are the main layers of the Sun and their properties?
  • How does the Sun generate energy?
  • What is the difference between convection and radiation as energy transport mechanisms in the Sun?

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Uploaded on 09/12/2022

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Ast 4 Lecture 11 Notes
1 The Sun
The Sun
The Sun is a star
A star is a glowing ball of hot gas held together by its own gravity and
sustains nuclear fusion in its core
By studying the Sun we can learn about stars in general
The Sun
Some properties of the Sun
Radius of the Sun is about 700,000 km (100 R)
Mass of the Sun is 1.99 ×1030 kg (3×105M)
The equator rotates faster than latitudes nears the poles
Surface temperature of 5800 K
2 Structure of the Sun
2.1 Surface Layers
The Photosphere
The Photosphere
Layer of the Sun we see
500 km thick
Temperature: 5800 K
Density: 2 ×104kg/m3
The Chromosphere
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Ast 4 Lecture 11 Notes

1 The Sun

The Sun

  • The Sun is a star
  • A star is a glowing ball of hot gas held together by its own gravity and sustains nuclear fusion in its core
  • By studying the Sun we can learn about stars in general

The Sun Some properties of the Sun

  • Radius of the Sun is about 700,000 km (∼ 100 R⊕)
  • Mass of the Sun is 1. 99 × 1030 kg (∼ 3 × 105 M⊕)
  • The equator rotates faster than latitudes nears the poles
  • Surface temperature of 5800 K

2 Structure of the Sun

2.1 Surface Layers

The Photosphere

The Photosphere

  • Layer of the Sun we see
  • 500 km thick
  • Temperature: 5800 K
  • Density: 2 × 10 −^4 kg/m^3

The Chromosphere

The Chromosphere

  • Above the photosphere
  • 1500 km thick
  • Temperature: 4500 K
  • Density: 5 × 10 −^6 kg/m^3
  • lower temperature and transparent

Transition Zone The transition zone

  • Above the chromosphere
  • 8500 km thick
  • Temperature: 8000 K
  • Density: 2 × 10 −^10 kg/m^3
  • Rapid increase in temperature

The Corona

The Corona

  • Very hot and thin upper atmosphere
  • Temperature: 1,000,000 K
  • Density: 10−^12 kg/m^3
  • Visible in the far-UV and X-ray wave- lengths

The Solar Wind

  • The outer corona turns into the solar wind
  • The solar wind flows away from the Sun into the Solar System