![](c09_fig05.jpg)
Figure 9-5 RIVUXG The Photosphere The photosphere is the layer in the solar atmosphere from which the Sun’s visible light is emitted. Note that the Sun appears darker around its limb, or edge; here we are seeing the upper photosphere, which is relatively cool and thus glows less brightly. (The dark sunspots, which we discuss in Section 9-4, are also relatively cool regions.)