Päikesekorona

Päikesekorona, often referred to as the Sun's corona, is the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere. It is a vast, tenuous region that extends millions of kilometers into space, far beyond the visible surface of the Sun. The corona is characterized by extremely high temperatures, reaching millions of degrees Celsius, yet it is incredibly diffuse, meaning it has a very low density.

This outer atmosphere is made up of ionized gas, primarily protons and electrons, forming a plasma. The corona is not uniform but is shaped by the Sun's powerful magnetic field. Magnetic field lines channel the plasma, creating structures such as coronal streamers, loops, and holes. Coronal holes are regions of lower density and temperature where the magnetic field lines are open, allowing solar wind to escape more freely.

The corona is visible during a total solar eclipse when the Moon blocks the Sun's bright disk, revealing the faint, ethereal glow of the corona. It is also studied using specialized instruments like coronagraphs on spacecraft, which artificially block the Sun's disk to observe the corona. The corona plays a crucial role in the formation of the solar wind, a continuous stream of charged particles that flows outward from the Sun and influences the space environment throughout the solar system. Understanding the corona is vital for comprehending solar activity, space weather, and its potential impact on Earth.