s8pe-41401-ca
10/31/05
7:09 PM
MAZER
Page 455
Layers of the Sun
Energy produced by fusion in the Sun’s
core flows out through its layers.
prominence
1
Energy is produced in
the Sun’s core.
sunspots
2
Energy moves by radiation through the
radiative zone.
3
Currents of hot gas in
the convection
zone carry energy
outward.
4
The photosphere is
the visible layer of
the Sun.
5
The chromosphere
is the middle layer of
the Sun’s atmosphere.
6
The corona, the
Sun’s outermost layer,
has a very low density.
Corona
Energy travels by radiation
and convection from the
Sun’s core out into space.
During a solar eclipse, the corona
becomes visible because the much
brighter photosphere is hidden.
The corona varies in shape.
Chapter 14: Stars, Galaxies, and the Universe 455
PDF