The Sun. Computer graphic of the Sun,showing its turbulent surface. The Sun is a massive nuclear fusion reactor in which hydrogen atoms fuse to helium to release heat and light energy. The core has a temperature of at least 14 million degrees Celsius. This energy radiates out to the surface which is called the photosphere,about 300 kilo- metres thick. The photosphere is affected by magnetic fields,producing phenomena like sunspots (cool areas,black); solar prominences (eruptions of charged particles) and solar wind,not seen here. Its constant output of energy means that the Sun loses about 4 million tons of mass each second | |
Licence : | Droits gérés |
Crédit: | Science Photo Library / Kulyk, Mehau |
Taille de l’image : | 5410 px × 3989 px |
Model Release : | Non requis |
Property Release : | Non requis |
Restrictions : | - |