Video 2: Our Star, the Sun

Modern spacecraft and recent missions have changed our view of the Sun from a changeless, perfect disk to that of a dynamic, variable star, powered by fusion, shaped by magnetism, with a profound and previously unrecognized impact on the Earth through so-called "space weather" and geomagnetic storms.

  •  "How Does the Sun Work: Fusion, Convection, Magnetism" describes the Sun's composition, and the forces and processes shaping our star's visible surface and ultimately driving the approximately 11-year solar cycle.

  •  "Sun (n)" defines our "day star" as an astronomical object-a typical yellow dwarf star-and compares its size, color, and temperature to those of other stars.

  •  "Sun-Earth Connection" reveals how explosions on the Sun blast off coronal mass ejections (CMEs) which sometimes affect space close to Earth.

    • Through the video and related activities your students will:

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