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Why Do We Study the Sun?
Students develop a basic understanding of how and why scientists study the electromagnetic spectrum and magnetic fields of the Sun to gain a greater understanding of solar activity and space weather.
Context for Use
This is the second of four lessons in the SDO curriculum that leads students through an interactive exploration of Solar Science. See the SDO Curriculum Overview here.
The lessons are:
- Lesson 1 - What Are the Features of the Sun?
- Lesson 2 - Why Do We Study the Sun?
- Lesson 3 - How Does the Sun Affect the Earth?
- Lesson 4 - SDO Exploration Museum
And don't miss the supplemental comic book What Color is the Sun? available in both English and Spanish!
A rendering of the sun's electromagnetic fields.
Goals Header
What Students Will Do
- Develop a basic understanding of how and why scientists study the electromagnetic spectrum and magnetic fields of the Sun to gain a greater understanding of solar activity and space weather.
- List and describe the wavelengths of the Electromagnetic (EM) Spectrum from the lowest frequency to the highest frequency (Radio Waves to Gamma Rays)
- Identify key EM wavelengths that are used in researching specific regions of the Sun.
- Understand that Visible Light (white light) is only one waveband of EM radiation that the Sun emits within the Electromagnetic Spectrum.
- Locate magnetic poles and identify the polarity in magnetic objects.
- Diagram magnetic fields by the direction and polarity of magnetic field lines.
- Explain the relationship between sunspots and magnetic fields.
- Create and use a spectrograph (spectroscope) to observe visible light (white light) by refracting it into its color spectrum (ROYGBIV).
- Demonstrate that the Sun emits radiant energy within the Electromagnetic Spectrum.
- Understand how astronomers use special tools (spectroscope) to learn more about objects that are so far away.
- Explain how spectroscopy data helps astronomers learn more about the composition of the Sun and other stars.
Teaching Materials
Description
Activity A: The Sun & EM Spectrum (2 block periods/4 class periods)
SDO EM Instruments, EM Spectrum, and Helioviewer Solar Exploration!
Activity B: Solar Activity & Magnetism (1-2 block periods/2-4 class periods)
SDO Magnetism Instrument, Solar Magnetism, Magnetic Fields, and 3-D Magnetic Sunspot Model
Activity C: Solar Research in Action! – Build a Spectroscope (1 block period/1-2 class periods)
EM Spectra and build a Spectroscope.
