Solar Activity
Though it may not seem like it, the surface of the Sun is very active. Events like sunspots and coronal mass ejections are very important for astronomers to study because they effect the Earth in a variety of ways. View this presentation to learn about solar activity and how the Sun’s energy can impact the Earth, even at a distance of 93 million miles away. Click the player to begin.
Download a printable version of the activity.
To learn more about how Earth is protected from the harsh solar activity of the Sun, view the video Earth's Magnetic Shield from eMediaVA℠. As you view the video, make note of what it is about the Earth that makes it protected from solar particles. Is this protection fail-safe?
Space Weather
Did you know that astronomers keep daily checks on the incoming solar radiation from the Sun? In a way, astronomers are documenting the space weather. The reason for keeping a close watch on the Sun is that the radiation traveling in that high energy plasma (solar wind) can really have a large impact on satellites and ground-based systems that rely on technology. Take a few minutes to explore the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center website. Here, you will find the current space weather conditions.
While you are visiting this website, consider the following questions:
- Are there any current alerts?
- What is the speed of the solar wind?
- How many sunspots are visible during the solar cycle?
- Are either of the aurora visible?
- Have any storms rated on the NOAA scale?
Solar Activity Review
Now that you have investigated the active Sun, check to see how much you know about sunspots, solar flares, solar prominences, and the aurora. In this non-graded activity, read each statement and decide whether it is True or False. Then, select the appropriate answer and click SUBMIT. Click on the playert to get started.