Context:
The forthcoming solar eclipse offers an uncommon chance to observe the sun’s extremely hot corona.
Zones of Sun:
- Core – Central region where nuclear reactions consume hydrogen to form helium through the nuclear fusion reaction. These reactions release the energy that ultimately leaves the surface as visible light.
- Radiative Zone – It extends outward from the core to the convection zone, characterized by the method of energy transport radiation in the form of electromagnetic radiation by photons.
- Convection Zone – The outermost layer of the solar interior extending from a depth of about 200,000 km to the visible surface where its motion is seen as granules and supergranules.
Sun’s Atmosphere:
| Part of the Sun | Description |
| Photosphere | The deepest part of the Sun we can see. |
| Chromosphere | A layer above the photosphere where the temperature goes from 6000°C to about 20,000°C. |
| Transition Region | A thin, irregular layer that separates the hot corona from the cooler chromosphere. |
| Corona | The Sun’s outer atmosphere, visible only during a total solar eclipse or with special equipment. |
| Solar Wind | Beyond the corona, this is a flow of gas coming out from the corona. |
| Sun’s Magnetic Fields | They start in the convection zone and burst through the photosphere into the chromosphere and corona. |
| Solar Activity | This includes things like sunspots, flares, prominences, and coronal mass ejections caused by the eruptions. |
Source: Down to Earth
Previous Year Question
If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?
1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
3. Power grids could be damaged.
4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over polar regions could be interrupted.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
(b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
(c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7
Answer: (c)
Explanation:
Solar flares can temporarily alter the upper atmosphere creating disruptions. But it does not cause Tsunamis. It only affects the upper atmosphere. Statement 2 is incorrect.
There is no causal link between the solar flares and the deadly forest fires. Statement 5 is incorrect.
