The Sun

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The Sun
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Sun Facts

• 1.4 million km diameter (Fit 1 million Earths)
• Located 150 million km from Earth (1 a.u.)
• Produces Energy by NUCLEAR FUSION
• H H ? He
• Contains 99 of all the matter in the solar
  system!

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Effects on Earth

• Holds Earth in orbit due to gravity.
• Produces energy required for life.
• No Sun No life
• Solar flares produce particles which interact
  with the Earths magnetic field producing the
  Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights).
• These same particles can interfere with radio
  waves and electrical circuits.

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Parts of the Sun
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• Core Hydrogen fused into Helium
• Radiative Envelope Energy released from core
  travels outward. Takes over 5 million years.
• Convective Envelope Gas here carries energy to
  surface. Cools, sinks, and rises again.
• Photosphere (Surface) Layer giving off energy
  to solar system. Approx 6000oC.
• Chromosphere Lowest part of Suns atmosphere.
• Corona Upper level of Suns atmosphere. Only
  visible during solar eclipse. Approximately 2
  000 000 oC. Temperature not understood! Like
  placing water in an freezer and it boils!
• Solar Flares/Prominences Violent explosions in
  the chromosphere. 
• Sunspots Cool areas of the photosphere.