Our Sun

Front

What part of the sun is labeled #5?

Back

Sunspot(s): Areas on the sun's surface that are cooler and appear darker than the surrounding areas.

Front

How long do photons take to pass through the radiative zone?

Back

About 100,000 years: Photons take a very long time to travel through this dense region of the sun.

Front

What is nuclear fusion?

Back

Nuclear Fusion: The process where hydrogen atoms join together to form helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy.

Front

What is the name for the zone where photons travel around for about 100,000 years before moving on to the convection zone?

Back

Radiative Zone: The layer of the sun where energy is transferred by radiation.

Front

What is the term for the explosions that occur when the loops in sunspot regions suddenly connect?

Back

Solar Flare: A sudden eruption of energy on the sun's surface.

Front

What is the outermost layer of the sun's atmosphere called?

Back

Corona: The sun's outer atmosphere, visible during a solar eclipse.

Front

What is the core of the sun?

Back

Core: The innermost layer of the sun where nuclear fusion occurs.

Front

What are sunspots?

Back

Sunspots: Temporary phenomena on the sun's photosphere that appear as spots darker than the surrounding areas.

Front

What is the convection zone?

Back

Convection Zone: The outer layer of the sun's interior where energy is transferred by convection.

Front

What is the photosphere?

Back

Photosphere: The visible surface of the sun that emits light.