Describe the features of the Sun’s atmosphere that are always present.

Describe the three main layers of the solar atmosphere and how you would best observe them.

Name and describe seven features of the active Sun. Which two are the same, seen from different angles?

Describe the three main layers of the Sun’s interior.

Why is the solar cycle said to have a period of 22 years, even though the sunspot cycle is only 11 years long?

How do astronomers detect the presence of a magnetic field in hot gases, such as the field in the solar photosphere?

Describe the dangers in attempting to observe the Sun. How have astronomers learned to circumvent these hazards?

Give an everyday example of hydrostatic equilibrium not presented in the book.

Give some everyday examples of heat transfer by convection and radiative transport.

What do astronomers mean by a “model of the Sun”?

Why do thermonuclear reactions in the Sun take place only in its core?

What is hydrogen fusion? This process is sometimes called “hydrogen burning.” How is hydrogen burning fundamentally unlike the burning of a log in a fireplace?

Describe the Sun’s interior, including the main physical processes that occur at various levels within the Sun.

What is a neutrino, and why are astronomers so interested in detecting neutrinos from the Sun?

When we are near a sunspot maximum, the Hubble Space Telescope must be moved to a higher orbit. Why? (Hint: Think about how the increased solar energy affects Earth’s atmosphere.)

Explain how the Sun can be emitting more energy today than shortly after it formed even though its surface temperature has remained roughly constant.

Discuss the extent to which cultures around the world have worshiped the Sun as a deity throughout history. Why do you think our star inspires such widespread veneration?

Discuss some of the difficulties of correlating solar activity with changes in the terrestrial climate.

Describe some advantages and disadvantages of observing the Sun (a) from space and (b) from Earth’s South Pole. What kinds of phenomena and issues do solar astronomers want to explore from both Earth-orbiting and Antarctic observatories?

Does the Sun shine by burning gas, like methane? Justify your answer.

What causes sunspots?

Does the Sun rotate? Justify your answer.

Does the Sun have a solid or liquid surface like Earth?

Does the Sun have an atmosphere? Explain your reasoning.