Explanations 
Textbooks 
Exams 
GCSE 
IGCSE 
AS 
A Level 
International A Level 
University Admissions Tests 
Flashcards 
Vaia AI 
Notes 
Study Plans 
Study Sets 
Find a job 
Find a degree 
Student Deals 
Magazine 
Mobile App Chapter 14: Problem 26
Describe the solar corona. Under what circumstances can it be seen without special instruments?
Short Answer
Expert verified
The solar corona is the Sun's outermost layer of plasma. It can be seen without special instruments during a total solar eclipse.
Step by step solution
01
- Define the Solar Corona
The solar corona is the outermost part of the Sun's atmosphere. It is an aura of plasma that surrounds the Sun and extends millions of kilometers into space.
02
- Explain the Properties of the Solar Corona
The solar corona is much hotter than the Sun's surface, with temperatures ranging from 1 to 3 million Kelvin. It has a lower density compared to the lower layers of the Sun's atmosphere and emits light primarily in the X-ray and ultraviolet wavelengths.
03
- Visibility of the Solar Corona
Under normal circumstances, the solar corona cannot be seen from Earth with the naked eye due to the brightness of the Sun's surface (photosphere).
04
- Viewing Conditions Without Special Instruments
The solar corona can be seen without special instruments during a total solar eclipse. During this event, the Moon completely covers the Sun's photosphere, allowing the faint light from the corona to be visible.
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with Vaia!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Sun's atmosphere
The Sun's atmosphere is comprised of several layers, each with its own unique properties. Among these layers, the solar corona stands out as the outermost region. Unlike the turbulent and sometimes visually active photosphere or chromosphere, the corona is a vast, tenuous expanse of plasma extending millions of kilometers from the Sun into space.
It plays a crucial role in influencing solar wind and space weather, affecting planets and spacecraft throughout the solar system. Due to its far-reaching influence, the solar corona is an essential subject of study for both scientists and space enthusiasts.
It plays a crucial role in influencing solar wind and space weather, affecting planets and spacecraft throughout the solar system. Due to its far-reaching influence, the solar corona is an essential subject of study for both scientists and space enthusiasts.
total solar eclipse
A total solar eclipse provides a rare and spectacular opportunity to observe the solar corona without the need for special instruments. During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun, effectively blocking out the Sun's bright photosphere.
As the sky darkens momentarily, the solar corona comes into view as a halo of pearly white light surrounding the eclipsed Sun.
This event captivates astronomers and the general public alike, offering a glimpse of the corona's ethereal beauty and complexity. It is important to note that total solar eclipses are not daily occurrences and require specific alignments of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.
As the sky darkens momentarily, the solar corona comes into view as a halo of pearly white light surrounding the eclipsed Sun.
This event captivates astronomers and the general public alike, offering a glimpse of the corona's ethereal beauty and complexity. It is important to note that total solar eclipses are not daily occurrences and require specific alignments of the Sun, Moon, and Earth.
plasma aura
The solar corona is often described as a 'plasma aura' surrounding the Sun. Plasma, a state of matter similar to gas but with charged particles, dominates this region.
In the corona, these ions and electrons move rapidly, creating an electrically conductive environment that is highly influenced by magnetic fields.
This complex interplay contributes to various solar phenomena, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which can impact Earth's magnetic field and technological systems. By studying the plasma aura of the corona, scientists hope to better understand and predict these influential solar activities.
In the corona, these ions and electrons move rapidly, creating an electrically conductive environment that is highly influenced by magnetic fields.
This complex interplay contributes to various solar phenomena, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which can impact Earth's magnetic field and technological systems. By studying the plasma aura of the corona, scientists hope to better understand and predict these influential solar activities.
visible light wavelengths
Under normal conditions, the solar corona's light is too faint to be seen against the overwhelming brightness of the Sun's surface (photosphere). Instead, it mainly emits light in the X-ray and ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths.
However, during a total solar eclipse, the drastic reduction in the photosphere's light allows the faint, white light of the corona to become visible.
Observing the corona in various wavelengths offers a more comprehensive understanding of its structure, temperature, and dynamics. Specialized telescopes and instruments, such as those on spacecraft and satellites, are routinely used to monitor the corona's emissions beyond the visible spectrum.
However, during a total solar eclipse, the drastic reduction in the photosphere's light allows the faint, white light of the corona to become visible.
Observing the corona in various wavelengths offers a more comprehensive understanding of its structure, temperature, and dynamics. Specialized telescopes and instruments, such as those on spacecraft and satellites, are routinely used to monitor the corona's emissions beyond the visible spectrum.
temperature of solar corona
One of the most intriguing aspects of the solar corona is its high temperature. Unlike the Sun's surface, which is about 5,500 Kelvin, the corona's temperatures can reach between 1 to 3 million Kelvin.
This apparent paradox, where the outer layer is much hotter than the inner layers, has puzzled scientists for decades and is known as the 'coronal heating problem'.
Various theories, such as magnetic reconnection and wave heating, are being explored to explain this phenomenon. Understanding the temperature dynamics of the corona is essential for grasping the larger picture of solar processes and their effects on the entire solar system.
This apparent paradox, where the outer layer is much hotter than the inner layers, has puzzled scientists for decades and is known as the 'coronal heating problem'.
Various theories, such as magnetic reconnection and wave heating, are being explored to explain this phenomenon. Understanding the temperature dynamics of the corona is essential for grasping the larger picture of solar processes and their effects on the entire solar system.
