Earth Sciences 1086F/G Lecture Notes - Lecture 4: Solar Wind, Photosphere, Chromosphere
13 Jan 2020
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Document Summary
Photosphere: visible outer layer of the sun, looks solid even though its not (cloud) Chromosphere: layer of gases that surrounds the photosphere. We use a spectroscopy to determine the composition of the sun. The most plentiful element is hydrogen 71% and helium 21% To better understand solar wind and evolution of solar system, genesis mission captured particles of solar wind to study on earth. Isotopic (differs in neutrons) compositions of oxygen and nitrogen are different than most of the solar system. A sunspot is an area on the sun that is cooler than its surrounding, this appearing black. The sun does have a magnetic field, but we are unsure what the generator is. The magnetic fields are giant bar magnets, north at one end, south at the other, field surrounding them differ in strength. Sometime the magnetic generators switch sun switches every 11 years. What are two effects of magnetic storms on. 1) can cause complete breakdown of power grids.
