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Solar Vocabulary
TERM
DEFINITION
photosphere
the "surface" of the Sun: the layer we see
core
center of the Sun; where nuclear fusion takes place
chromosphere
thin inner layer of the Sun's "atmosphere”: glows red
corona
outer layer of the "atmosphere" of the Sun's atmosphere
nuclear fusion
atomic reaction that produces the Sun's energy; hydrogen combines to create helium + energy
electromagnetic
the array of all radiation in/of the universe
spectrum
sunspot
cooler area on the Sun that appears dark
prominence
large outgassing of the Sun's chromosphere
solar flare
a large, bright area on the Sun associated with a magnetic disturbance
Coronal Mass Ejection
a large explosion of matter and energy from the Sun
solar wind
constant stream of charged particles from the corona
aurora
display of colored lights in the upper atmosphere caused by the solar wind interacting with the gases
in our atmosphere
spectroscopy
the study of light/spectra
radiation
energy that is radiated or transmitted in the form of rays or waves or particles
Nebular Theory
theory that the solar system was created from a cloud of dust and gas in interstellar space
nebula
a cloud of dust and gas created by a nova/supernova (the explosion of a massive star)