The Anatomy of Our Star: Solar Structure

The Sun is far more than a glowing orb in the sky; it is a complex, multi-layered powerhouse of energy. Understanding its structure is key to understanding how life on Earth is sustained and how solar weather affects our modern technology.

The Atmosphere: The Visible Sun

Beyond the interior lies the solar atmosphere, which transitions from the light we see to the outer reaches of space:

• Photosphere: The “surface” we see from Earth. It emits the visible sunlight we rely on and is home to cooler, dark regions known as sunspots.

• Chromosphere: A thin, vibrant layer of plasma that glows red during eclipses, acting as a transition zone between the surface and the outer atmosphere.

• Corona: The Sun’s crowning glory. This wispy outer halo is millions of degrees hotter than the surface and expands outward to form the solar wind.