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The Sun, like many stars, is made up of several layers, each having a specific function and temperature range. The outermost layer of the Sun is called the corona. It is the Sun’s extended outer atmosphere, stretching millions of kilometers into space, and is visible as a halo of white light during a total solar eclipse.
The corona is made up of highly ionized gases or plasma, primarily hydrogen and helium, along with small amounts of other elements like iron, calcium, and nickel. Surprisingly, the corona is much hotter than the Sun’s surface (photosphere). While the photosphere has a temperature of about 5,500°C (9,932°F), the corona reaches temperatures of 1 to 3 million°C. Scientists believe this extreme heat is caused by magnetic energy released from the Sun’s surface.
Key features of the corona:
Source of solar wind: The corona continuously releases streams of charged particles known as the solar wind, which travel throughout the solar system.
Influence on space weather: Intense activity in the corona, such as coronal mass ejections, can affect Earth’s magnetic field and cause geomagnetic storms.
Visible during eclipses: Normally, the corona is hidden by the bright light of the photosphere, but during a total solar eclipse, it appears as a glowing crown surrounding the darkened Sun.
Other options in the question are incorrect:
Core: The Sun’s innermost part where nuclear fusion occurs.
Coach and Comma: These are not scientific terms related to the Sun’s structure.
The correct answer is Option C: Corona, as it is scientifically recognized as the Sun’s outermost atmospheric layer, extending far into space and playing a vital role in solar and space phenomena.
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