Chapter 9: Stars and Galaxies

9.1 The Sun

Made by: Isaac Andrew, Puteri Nur Syahirah, Nur Qistina, Ameerah
Sofea and Christy Teh
Teacher’s name: Datin Azimah Chong
 9.1 The Sun
• The Sun is the main source of energy for the Earth.
• The Sun is a giant ball of hot glowing gases and it spins around in space.
• The Sun was formed from a huge cloud of dust and gas floating in space.
• Among the many stars in space, the Sun is the closest to Earth.
 Characteristics of the Sun
Properties Characteristics of the Sun Characteristics compared to
Earth

Diameter 1 392 000 km 109 times the diameter of Earth

Mass 1.989 x 1034 kg 333 420 times the mass of Earth

Density 1485 kg/m³ 0.27 times the density of Earth

Surface temperature 5100-6000°C 227-273 times the temperature

of Earth

Composition Hydrogen (70%-80%) and Earth’s atmosphere contains

helium oxygen, nitrogen, carbon dioxide
and inert gases
Structure of the Sun
Structure of the Sun
Phenomena on the Sun’s surface and their
effects
 Sunspots
 They appear as dark patches because they are cooler
than other parts of the surface.
 The sunspots do not last more than a few weeks.
 They are magnetically active spots.
 These sunspots are caused by magnetic disturbances
ddep inside the sun which, can cause changes in the
Earth’s climate.
 For example, extreme drought.
Phenomena on the Sun’s surface and their
effects
 Prominences
 Also known as ‘giant flames’ are also seen in the photosphere.
 Prominences can extend to many thousands of kilometres from the
surfaces.
 Some surface gases, mainly hydrogen and helium, escape to outer
space.
 These gases carry a stream of energetic, electrically charged
particles. These particles cause wind known as solar wind.
 Solar winds are strong during periods when many sunspots are
active.
 Solar winds can also affect satellite, radio, television, telegraph and
telephone communications.
 These particles cause climate disturbances and an aurora.
Phenomena on the Sun’s surface and their
effects
 Solar flares
 Large solar flares send out strong blasts of
electrically charged particles that interact
with the Earth’s magnetic field and upset it.
 Generation of solar energy

 The Sun’s energy comes from deep within it’s core.

 Here a process called nuclear fission takes place.
 Hydrogen is changed into helium, forming huge amounts of
energy.
 The energy generated is carried to the Sun’s surface where
is released as light and heat.
ok that’s it bye