space

What Causes the Sun's Outer Atmosphere to Extend Millions of Kilometers?

šŸ’” The Answer

  • The corona extends far beyond the Sun's visible surface due to magnetic fields.
  • Plasma is heated and accelerated outward along open magnetic field lines.
  • This creates the solar wind that fills the entire solar system.
  • During a total solar eclipse, the corona becomes visible as a white halo.

šŸ”— You Might Also Like

šŸ“… On This Day — July 283 events →

1896 — The city of Miami is incorporated.

1911 — The Australasian Antarctic Expedition began as the SY Aurora departed London.

šŸ“£ Share this fact