The Sun, the only central star of the Solar System, is a hot plasma sphere with a magnetic field produced by a dynamo process. It is 333,000 times larger than Earth and accounts for 99.86 percent of the total mass. The Sun generates energy by hydrogen fusion at temperatures ranging from 5500 to 6000 degrees Celsius. The ozone layer absorbs the majority of the sun's harmful UV rays, preventing sunburn. The Sun's light takes eight minutes to reach Earth.
What is the temperature of the Sun's core?
The Sun's core, the hottest part of the Solar System, is made of hot, dense plasma with a pressure of 2.65x10^16 pascals and a temperature of 15 million kelvins, extending from the center to about 0.2 to 0.25 of solar radius.
What is the temperature of the Sun's surface?
The temperature of the Sun’s surface is about 10,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5,600 degrees Celsius).
How does solar wind affect Earth?
The Solar System is a complex system of interconnected systems, each with its own unique characteristics. The Solar Wind, a continuous stream of charged particles, travels at speeds ranging from 250 miles per second to 500 miles per second. It interacts with Earth's magnetic field, producing aurora displays above polar regions. The wind can also cause geomagnetic storms, disrupting communication, navigation, and satellite systems, and causing power outages in weak power grids. Additionally, the wind can cause radiation damage to astronauts in outer space.
What causes solar wind?
Solar wind is a charged particle stream released from the Sun's outermost atmosphere, the corona. It is created by the outward expansion of plasma, which is heated beyond the Sun's gravity's grasp. The solar wind travels along the Sun's magnetic field lines..
What is the corona of the Sun?
The corona, the outermost part of the Sun's atmosphere, is often hidden by the Sun's surface's bright light, making it difficult to see without special instruments. During a total solar eclipse, the corona, made mostly of plasma, changes due to the Sun's magnetic field. The moon blocks out the Sun's bright light, allowing us to see the glowing white corona surrounding the eclipsed Sun. However, it's crucial not to look directly at the Sun during an eclipse.
