Those temps are a bit off:nautica said:
The chromosphere is hotter than the photosphere from (1) photosphere EM radiation (whole spectrum) (2) strong magnetic disturbances (fluctuations from the photosphere and below) and (3) acoustic excitation.nautica said:
The temperature increase from the photosphere to the corona is due to the transfer of energy through the sun's layers. The photosphere is the surface of the sun where the temperature ranges from 5,500 to 6,000 Kelvin. As we move towards the corona, the temperature increases rapidly and can reach up to 1,000,000 Kelvin. This increase in temperature is caused by the release of energy from the sun's magnetic fields, which heats up the plasma in the corona.
The specific mechanism that causes the temperature increase from the photosphere to the corona is still not fully understood by scientists. However, it is believed that the energy from the sun's magnetic fields is transferred through waves and particles, causing the plasma in the corona to heat up.
The temperature gradient in the sun varies greatly from layer to layer. In the photosphere, the temperature increases gradually as we move towards the corona. However, in the corona, the temperature increases rapidly, making it the hottest layer of the sun. The temperature gradient in the sun's layers is also affected by factors such as magnetic fields, density, and convection.
The temperature increase in the corona can have significant impacts on the sun's activity and the surrounding space environment. The intense heat in the corona can cause solar flares, which are sudden releases of energy that can affect Earth's magnetic field and disrupt satellite communications. The increased temperature also contributes to the solar wind, a stream of charged particles that can interact with Earth's atmosphere and cause auroras.
Scientists study the temperature increase in the sun's layers through various methods, including direct measurements from spacecraft, remote sensing using telescopes, and computer simulations. NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) is a spacecraft that captures high-resolution images of the sun, helping scientists understand the temperature variations in different layers. Telescopes such as the Extreme Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (EIT) and the Atmospheric Imaging Assembly (AIA) are also used to study the temperature of the sun's corona. Computer simulations and models also play a crucial role in understanding the complex processes that lead to the temperature increase in the sun's layers.