The Sun has many different layers some of which dramatically impact the Earth both positively and negatively.
CoronaThe Sun’s corona is the outermost part of the Sun’s atmosphere consisting of plasma (hot electrically charged particles). The corona is usually hidden by the bright light of the Sun's surface and continually varies in size and shape. That makes it difficult to see without using special instruments. However, the corona can be viewed easily during a total solar eclipse.
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- Astronomers have been trying to solve this mystery for a long time. The corona is in the outer layer of the Sun’s atmosphere—far from its surface. Yet the corona is hundreds of times hotter than the Sun’s surface.
Impacts of the Corona on Earth
The corona extends far into space and gradually thins into streams of electrically charged particles called solar wind that can affect Earth's magnetosphere. When this happens it can cause auroras, harm astronauts, and even disrupt electrical equipment on Earth.
Solar Wind & Magnetic Storms
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The corona extends far out into space. From it comes the solar wind that travels through our Solar System. The corona's temperature causes its particles to move at very high speeds. These speeds are so high that the particles can even escape the Sun's gravity!
Earth's Magnetic Field
The Earth’s magnetic field surrounds the Earth and is sometimes called the geomagnetic field. The Earth’s magnetic field is created by the movement of the Earth and its metal core. Earth's magnetic field is extremely special as it shields the Earth against many harmful particles from space. Earth's magnetic field however is unstable and is the focus of much scientific study today.
Video Guide:
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Topic Tips
- The Sun's corona is the outermost layer of the Sun’s atmosphere that is only visible as a white halo during a solar eclipse.
- The corona extends far into space and gradually thins into streams of electrically charged particles called solar wind that can affect Earth.
- Earth's magnetic field shields us from much of the dangerous particles being erupted from the Sun.