How does temperature change as you move away from the sun into space?

In summary, the question of how temperature fluctuates from the outer layer of the sun outwards to space is a complex problem that has been studied by solar physicists for many years. The 2012 NRC Solar/Space Physics Decadal Report addresses this question and provides a 10-year agenda for resolving it. Due to the thinness of the gas in this region, the energy transfer problem is not as straightforward and can lead to complicated outcomes.
  • #1
fifa1022
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How does temperature fluctuate from the outer layer of the sun outwards to space? Is there any data or equations modeling this?(I'm not an astronomy or physics student, just interested)
 
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  • #2
fifa1022 said:
How does temperature fluctuate from the outer layer of the sun outwards to space? Is there any data or equations modeling this?(I'm not an astronomy or physics student, just interested)

Dear fifa1022, you have asked one of the most profound questions confronting solar physicists for many decades.

This big question and several others are directly addressed in the 2012 NRC Solar/Space Physics Decadal Report on recent discoveries and the 10 year agenda for resolving the big questions.
Here is the pertinent Chapter 10 of the report: http://www.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=13060&page=257

Respectfully submitted,
Steve
 
  • #3
It's also an amazingly complicated problem because the gas is so thin. If you have two thick gases next to each other, the energy transfer problem is pretty simple. Stuff moves from hot to cold and the distribution of velocities follows a nice simple pattern called a thermal distribution.

If the gas is very thin, then there isn't time for the gas to move toward a standard distribution of velocities and things can get very, very complicated.
 

FAQ: How does temperature change as you move away from the sun into space?

What is "Cooling Outwards from Corona"?

"Cooling Outwards from Corona" is a scientific theory that explains the process of heat transfer from a high-temperature source, such as the sun's corona, to cooler regions in the surrounding space.

How does Cooling Outwards from Corona work?

The theory suggests that heat from the sun's corona is transferred through a process called thermal conduction, which involves the transfer of heat energy from a high-temperature source to a lower-temperature region. This process continues until the heat dissipates into the surrounding space.

What evidence supports the Cooling Outwards from Corona theory?

Scientists have observed the gradual decrease in temperature as heat travels from the sun's corona to the outer layers of the sun's atmosphere. This is consistent with the predictions of the Cooling Outwards from Corona theory.

How does Cooling Outwards from Corona affect the Earth?

Cooling Outwards from Corona plays a significant role in regulating the temperature on Earth. Without this process, the Earth would be much hotter due to the intense heat coming from the sun's corona.

Are there any practical applications of the Cooling Outwards from Corona theory?

Understanding the process of Cooling Outwards from Corona can help scientists develop better models for predicting solar activity and its effects on Earth. This can aid in the development of more reliable and efficient technologies, such as solar panels, that harness the sun's energy for practical use.

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