Exploring the Sun's Outer Layer

Front

Photosphere

Back

Visible surface of the Sun

Front

Chromosphere

Back

Reddish glow layer

Front

Corona

Back

Outer atmosphere, visible during eclipse

Front

Solar Wind

Back

Stream of charged particles

Front

Sunspots

Back

Cooler, dark spots on photosphere

Front

Solar Flares

Back

Sudden eruptions of energy

Front

Prominences

Back

Large, bright features extending outward

Front

Heliosphere

Back

Bubble-like region of space influenced by solar wind

Front

Coronal Mass Ejections

Back

Huge bursts of solar wind and magnetic fields

Front

Granules

Back

Small, bright spots on photosphere