Does the sun have a surface?
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Does the sun have a surface?
Does the sun have a surface?
"Of course," we might answer, "what a question!" However, we should also consider that our Sun - like all other stars - is a ball of hot gas. This gas ball, with a diameter of 1.4 million kilometres, is held together by gravity alone. This means that the Sun does not have a firm surface.
Nevertheless, the Sun appears to us as a shining sphere with a sharp edge. The reason for this is that the sunlight we observe without any aids originates in a relatively thin layer. This layer, known as the photosphere, is only a few hundred kilometres thick. It therefore makes sense to talk about the visible surface of the Sun...
"Of course," we might answer, "what a question!" However, we should also consider that our Sun - like all other stars - is a ball of hot gas. This gas ball, with a diameter of 1.4 million kilometres, is held together by gravity alone. This means that the Sun does not have a firm surface.
Nevertheless, the Sun appears to us as a shining sphere with a sharp edge. The reason for this is that the sunlight we observe without any aids originates in a relatively thin layer. This layer, known as the photosphere, is only a few hundred kilometres thick. It therefore makes sense to talk about the visible surface of the Sun...
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From: Crystal Lake, IL
Re: Does the sun have a surface?
The last time I visited, it didn't.
Be very carful. It's very hot, so make sure if you visit, you go at night....
Be very carful. It's very hot, so make sure if you visit, you go at night....
Last edited by FP; Nov 12, 2009 at 04:57 PM.
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From: VA
Re: Does the sun have a surface?
Surface is only 10,000 degrees due to radiation and 1,000,000 further in the core.Woody
Did anyone see my protractor it was with my pocket pencil sharpener. Woody
Did anyone see my protractor it was with my pocket pencil sharpener. Woody
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Re: Does the sun have a surface?
Originally Posted by FP
The last time I visited, it didn't.
Be very carful. It's very hot, so make sure if you visit, you go at night....
Be very carful. It's very hot, so make sure if you visit, you go at night....
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Re: Does the sun have a surface?
Originally Posted by InfernoRedXfire
At least the sun has a corona! 
Hell with the booze, let me at the sun!
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