Earth and Space Science14.7 The Sun: An Important Star

Grade 9 Academic Science

Quick Facts

the center of our solar system – heliocentric model.

the Sun has many different layers – each performing different activities.

the layers are composed of gases – the sun has no solid surface, however it does have structure (layers).

The Reactions

nuclear fusion is the process that produces energy in the Sun

the temperature and pressure are so high that hydrogen nuclei combine to form helium nuclei

Structure of the Sun

They Might be Giants

The Sun’s Surface Features Sunspots

A dark region of cool matter on the photosphere caused by a twist in the Sun’s magnetic field

Vary in size and colour

Solar Flares Gases and charged particles that are blasted

above an active region of the Sun’s photosphere Extremely hot – tens of millions of degrees Celsius Can cause power outages here on earth!!!

Sunspots and Solar Flares

Solar Flares – Scary and Cool!

Solar Winds

The Sun’s corona is constantly releasing electrically charged particles into space.

They travel at speeds of 400 km/sec and are called ‘Solar Winds.’

Earth’s magnetic field channels these excited particles toward the poles – this results in the AURORAS

Auroras

coloured lights in the sky produced when solar wind comes in contact with Earth’s magnetic field and the atmosphere

known as the Northern lights when seen over the North Pole (Aurora Borealis)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5utQxtma2U

Homework:

Read pg. 452 - 453

Fill in the Handout

Answer #1 – 4 , 7 on pg. 453

They might be Giants