Cosmic rays and solar flares

Draw in the back of your book the life cycle of a star

• Cosmic rays are fast-moving ionising

particles from the Sun.

• The Earth’s magnetic field prevents them

from reaching us because they would be very

harmful

• Solar flares (bursts of energy from the Sun)

interfere with these satellite systems.

P2e

Solar flares and Cosmic raysYou should learn:

Cosmic rays• Cosmic rays are not really rays at all, they are a

stream of particles of ionised atoms.• They can range from a single proton to the nucleus

of an iron atom-or larger• The most common cosmic ray is a alpha particle

(3protons and 2 neutrons)• Cosmic rays originate in space and are produced

form sources such as:– The sun– Other stars– Supernova and their remains– Neutron stars and black holes– Distant galaxies

• Cosmic ray particles are travelling at speeds close to that of light and they have a lot of energy

•The rays interact with the magnetic field of the earth, spiralling around the field lines

•Producing a concentration of cosmic rays at the north and south poles

•On certain nights these shifting patterns can be seen in the sky.

•They are called Auroras

•These bright lights are caused by cosmic rays streaming out from the sun and striking earths upper atmosphere

•Energy from these charged particles is converted into light and forms visible glows, rays, arcs, bands and veils.

•Usually green but can be red or purple

Cosmic rays

Cosmic rays are __________ particles from the Sun, ______ and ________. The most common type of particle is a __________ particle. They interact with the Earth’s __________ field. Energy from these charged particles is converted into light which can be seen in the _______ _______ and _______ ______ called Auroras. These bright lights are caused by ________ rays streaming out from the sun and striking earths upper___________.

Solar flares• A solar flare is a

violent explosion above the suns surface.

• A large amount of energy is released

• Solar flares may last for 10 mins and will produce more energy than a MILLION hydrogen bombs.

• There is a peak in this type of activity ever 10-11 yrs, during which large numbers of charged particles are released at very high speeds

• This results in the production of a magnetic field that interacts with the earths magnetic field

• Only a small amount of energy reaches the earth from a solar flare, but it is enough to interfere with radio and microwave transmissions

• They can also affect electrical power distribution in the national grid

• A solar flare is a ___________ above the suns surface. A large amount of _________ is released.

• A solar flare consists of charged particles from the ______ that travel at high speed and produce strong ________ fields.

• Solar _______ interfere with the operation of satellites by interfering with ______________ and _______________. They also can cause ____________ __________.

Solar flares