Solar Physics
- Since we are facing an acute problem with conventional electrical sources, can we not obtain more power from sun ?
- How is it proved that sun is a hydrogen ball ?
- What is the difference between flares, prominences and filaments in sun ?
- Please inform the time Period of solar eclipse on 10/6/2002 to 11/6/2002 worldwide.
Since we are facing an acute problem with conventional electrical sources, can we not obtain more power from sun ? (Ushasree)
The ultimate goal of energy research is to use the immense amount of solar energy that falls on the Earth. However, it is just not cost-competitive with other forms of energy except in special circumstances such as solar heaters. Hopefully, this will change in the future. Top
How is it proved that sun is a hydrogen ball? (N Sithu)
We can only directly observe the surface of the Sun. Using a spectrometer, we can observe lines due to various elements and determine how much of that element is present in the Sun. Thus, we know that hydrogen is the dominant constituent at the surface. We then model the Sun (or any star) using basic physical assumptions - basically that the force of gravity is balanced by the pressure. These models tell us that the Sun is almost completely made of hydrogen, even at the center where helium is formed by fusion. Top
What is the difference between flares, prominences and filaments in sun ? (Sumith)
A flare is a sudden release of energy in a localised region of the sun extending from the photosphere outwards. Large flares are accompanied by ejections of matter. A prominence is an eruption of matter forming long loops extending well beyond the corona. It is denser material suspended in the tenuous corona. They are supported by magnetic and pressure forces. Top
Please inform the time Period of solar eclipse on 10/6/2002 to 11/6/2002 worldwide. (Surinder Idnani)