Chapter 15--Our Sun - Geological Sciences

*23. The Color of the Sun. The Sun’s average surface temperature
is about 5,800 K. Use Wien’s law (see Mathematical Insight
6.2) to calculate the wavelength of peak thermal emission
from the Sun. What color does this wavelength correspond
to in the visible-light spectrum? In light of your answer, why
do you think the Sun appears white or yellow to our eyes?
Discussion Questions
24. The Role of the Sun. Briefly discuss how the Sun affects us
here on Earth. Be sure to consider not only factors such as
its light and warmth, but also how the study of the Sun has
led us to new understanding in science and to technological
developments. Overall, how important has solar research
been to our lives?
25. The Solar Neutrino Problem. Discuss the solar neutrino problem
and its potential solutions. How serious do you consider
this problem? Do you think current theoretical models
of the Sun could be wrong in any fundamental way?
Why or why not?
26. The Sun and Global Warming. One of the most pressing
environmental issues on Earth concerns the extent to which
human emissions of greenhouse gases are warming our
planet. Some people claim that part or all of the observed
warming over the past century may be due to changes on
the Sun, rather than to anything humans have done. Discuss
how a better understanding of the Sun might help us
understand the threat posed by greenhouse gas emissions.
Why is it so difficult to develop a clear understanding of
how the Sun affects Earth’s climate?
Web Projects
MEDIA EXPLORATIONS
Take advantage of the useful Web links on www.
astronomyplace.com to assist you with the following
projects.
1. Current Solar Activity. Daily information about solar
activity is available at NASA’s Web site sunspotcycle.
com. Where are we in the sunspot cycle right now?
When is the next solar maximum or minimum expected?
Have there been any major solar storms in
the past few months? If so, did they have any significant
effects on Earth? Summarize your findings in
a one- to two-page report.
2. Solar Observatories in Space. Visit NASA’s Web site
for the Sun–Earth connection and explore some
of the current and planned space missions designed
to observe the Sun. Choose one mission to study in
greater depth, and write a one- to two-page report
on the mission status and goals and what it has
taught or will teach us about the Sun.
3. Sudbury Neutrino Observatory. Visit the Web site for
the Sudbury Neutrino Observatory (SNO) and learn
how it has helped to solve the solar neutrino problem.
Write a one- to two-page report describing the
observatory, any recent results, and what we can
expect from it in the future.
520 part V • Stellar Alchemy