The Sun

The Sun is our star made mostly of

• helium

• hydrogen and helium

• hydrogen

• helium, hydrogen, and gold

Sunspots are

• large flares of energy that loop back to the sun's surface.

• magnetic areas on the sun's surface that appear darker because they are a lower temperature than surrounding areas.

• bursts of energy that flash off the sun's surface.

corona

• outermost surface of the sun emitting light we see; outermost layer of sun's atmosphere visible only to us during solar eclipse

• visible layer of the sun emitting light we see; lowest layer of sun's atmosphere

• hottest part of the sun; produces energy through nuclear fusion

Solar flares are

• large flares of energy that loop back to the sun's surface.

• areas on the sun's surface that appear darker because they are a lower temperature than surrounding areas.

• bursts of energy that flash off the sun's surface.

photosphere

• outermost surface of the sun emitting light we see; outermost layer of sun's atmosphere visible only to us during solar eclipse

• visible layer of the sun emitting light we see; lowest layer of sun's atmosphere

• hottest part of the sun; produces energy through nuclear fusion

solar wind

• occurs when corona sends out electrically charged particles

• occurs when photosphere sends out electrically charged particles

• occurs when core sends out electrically charged particles

Prominences are

• large flares of energy that loop back to the sun's surface.

• areas on the sun's surface that appear darker because they are a lower temperature than surrounding areas.

• bursts of energy that flash off the sun's surface.

Solar flares

• cause Earth's auroras at the poles.

• can cause damage to the ISS and satellites.

• increase charged particles in gases creating magnetic storms in Earth's atmosphere.

• can disrupt radio, telephone and television signals.

Auroras are frequently seen

• near the equator.
• before a sunspot cycle.
• every 11 years.
• after solar flares.

What is a prominence on the sun?

• a part of the sun’s corona, a cloud of colored gas
• a disturbance in the sun’s atmosphere; an arched, glowing cloud of gas
• a part of the convective zone, a cool area with powerful magnetic fields
• a magnetic disruption in the sun’s photosphere