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Chapter 9

The document outlines the structure of the Sun, detailing its layers and surface phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs. It explains Earth's magnetosphere and its protective functions against solar wind, as well as the concept of space weather and its effects on Earth, including disruptions to telecommunications and navigation. A case example from September 2017 illustrates the impact of solar activity on technology.

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Kok Yoong Ee
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7 views2 pages

Chapter 9

The document outlines the structure of the Sun, detailing its layers and surface phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares, and CMEs. It explains Earth's magnetosphere and its protective functions against solar wind, as well as the concept of space weather and its effects on Earth, including disruptions to telecommunications and navigation. A case example from September 2017 illustrates the impact of solar activity on technology.

Uploaded by

Kok Yoong Ee
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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🌌 Study Notes: Space Weather

1. Structure of the Sun


The Sun is a ball of glowing gases (mostly hydrogen & helium). Its main layers are:

• Core – Nuclear fusion occurs, producing helium from hydrogen.


• Radiation Zone – Energy moves outward through radiation.
• Convection Zone – Hot plasma circulates, forming granules.
• Photosphere – Visible surface; ~5800°C. Contains granules and sunspots.
• Chromosphere – Middle layer of the atmosphere.
• Corona – Outer atmosphere, visible during an eclipse.

2. Phenomena on the Sun’s Surface


• Granules – Grainy structures formed by plasma in convection zone (~1000 km wide).
• Sunspots – Dark, cooler areas (eruption sites); appear in pairs or groups.
• Solar Cycle – 11-year cycle of sunspot activity.
• Prominences – Huge loops of glowing gases over sunspots; can last weeks–months.
• Solar Flares – Explosions of charged gases near sunspots; release particles and light.
• Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) – Huge plasma clouds ejected into space; can take 3
days to reach Earth.
• Solar Wind – Streams of charged particles (electrons, protons, alpha particles);
supersonic speed (250–750 km/s).

3. Earth’s Magnetosphere
• Definition: Region around Earth formed by interaction between Earth’s magnetic field
and solar wind.
• Formation: Solar wind pushes against Earth’s field, shaping the magnetosphere.
• Functions:
o Shields life on Earth from harmful solar wind particles.
o Blocks excessive charged particles.
o Reduces atmospheric pressure from solar wind.
4. Space Weather
Definition: Phenomena caused by solar activity, including:

• On the Sun’s surface: solar flares, prominences, sunspots, CMEs.


• In space: solar wind, solar radiation storms, geomagnetic storms.

Effects on Earth:

• Formation of auroras (polar light displays).


• Disruption of telecommunication.
• Interference with navigation systems.
• Damage to electric power lines.

Case Example:

• 6 Sept 2017: X9.3 class solar flare & CME caused 1-hour disturbance in
telecommunication, navigation, and power lines.

5. Key Relationships
• More Sunspots → More CMEs & Solar Wind → Greater chance of space weather
effects on Earth.

6. Quick Practice Questions


1. Name three layers of the Sun’s atmosphere.
2. Give two examples of phenomena on the Sun’s surface.
3. Define the magnetosphere and its importance.
4. List four effects of space weather on Earth.
5. What would happen if Earth had no magnetosphere?

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