Parts of the Sun

Image courtesy of NASA/JPL

Coronal Mass Ejection that occurred on August 31, 2012

When compared to all other stars, the Sun is of a medium size, a medium brightness, and a middle-age. Although stars are not identical, they all have the same general characteristics. It seems that all stars are composed of the same gases and go through the same nuclear process, fusion. Stars like the Sun can burn for millions of years because they have a very stable core. In this topic, you will investigate the composition of the Sun and learn some basic facts about the largest body in the Solar System.

Essential Questions

• What are the different parts of the Sun?
• How are the layers of the Sun similar and different?