The Sun                                               Name________

Objectives:
• Comprehend many facets of the Sun’s makeup, chemistry, and behavior
• Study the interior and exterior layers of the Sun
• Gain an understanding of the nuclear reaction process in the core
• Learn about the solar wind and solar weather, and their impact on the Earth

Background information:
The Sun is an average, middle–aged star in the grand scheme of things; however, given its proximity to the Earth, it is very special to us. It is roughly 4.5 billion years old and will continue for approximately another 5 billion years, producing light through the nuclear fusion process. Although much is still unknown regarding the closest star, a great deal is understood. The Sun’s structure, its internal processes, and its affect on the Earth and its inhabitants will be explored in this activity.

Questions: Answer the following questions involving the Sun
1. The interior and exterior of the Sun have layers that vary in terms of temperature, pressure, and density. Additionally, the processes involved for the transference of energy/light differ amongst
them. Below, you see several statements describing different layers. In each of the blanks next to them, put one letter that identifies the name of the layer being described from this list: A) core, B) radiative zone, C) convection zone, D) photosphere, E) chromosphere, and F) corona

  • This layer is often referred to as the Sun’s visible surface______
  • This is the region from which most of the emitted x–rays radiate into space______
  • Energy is transported outward when hot gas rises and cooler gas falls in this layer______
  • It is in this area of the Sun that nuclear fusion occurs______
  • This portion of the Sun has energy conveyed through it via photons______

2. In the core of the Sun, hydrogen atoms slam together at high speed and are converted into helium nuclei. As a result, some of the original mass of the hydrogen atoms is lost. What happened to it?

3. In your own words, describe the changes in temperature and density one would hypothetically encounter if they could travel through the Sun’s convection zone and radiative zone, ending up
in the core. Be specific in your statements.

4. Starting at the photosphere, then moving through the chromosphere into the corona, describe the changes in temperature and density one would encounter if that hypothetical trip could be traversed. Be specific in your statements.

5. The phrases “solar weather”, “solar storms”, and “solar activity” are used interchangeably to refer to the collection of events that happen in the outer layers of the Sun. Solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CME) are two examples of the events. When these occur, they often have no impact on human activity. However, if the timing is right, and the intensity of these events are great enough, they can affect activity on Earth on both a small and a large scale. Discuss (Don’t just “list”) two ways society can be affected when these events encounter the Earth.

6. RESEARCH: People within the magnetic field of the Earth are protected by the harmful radiation and particles emitted by the Sun’s solar wind and solar storms. In the future, humans will likely attempt to travel outside of this zone of safety to places such as the Moon and Mars. Do some research and report (200 words minimum) on the proposed ways people can be shielded from the harmful effects of the Sun during space travel.