SOLAR WIND & INTERACTION SOLAR WIND & INTERACTION WITH THE SOLAR SYSTEM & WITH THE SOLAR SYSTEM &

INTERSTELLAR SPACEINTERSTELLAR SPACE

Astronomy Power Point PresentationAstronomy Power Point PresentationWeEXCELWeEXCEL

By Wayne KingBy Wayne KingMiamisburg High SchoolMiamisburg High School

May 12, 2008 May 12, 2008

LESSON PLAN - SOLAR WIND & EFFECTS UPON THE SOLAR SYSTEM & INTERSTELLAR MEDIUM

OBJECTIVE: Students will understand the concept Solar Wind, its composition, it origin,

how it interacts with the Earth and interstellar medium. This will be evidenced by at least a standard deviation increase in the post test grade over the pretest using the pretest standard deviation.

•Physical World students – 9th graders•Astronomy students – 11th and 12th graders but not strong students•Honors Physics students - 11th and 12th graders who are strong students

•Students will be given challenging information that will enhance their understanding of traditional concepts and see applications to previously learned material.• The Solar Wing Project will be given to freshmen and upper class students to see if there is a significant difference between the three groups

STANDARDS: • Physical World – 9th grade Physical Science Standards

Standards A, D, E, F, G, H• Honors Physics and Astronomy – 11th & 12th grade Physical Science

StandardsStandards A, C, D, E

RUBRIC - SOLAR WIND & EFFECTS UPON THE SOLAR SYSTEM & INTERSTELLAR SPACE

OBJECTIVE: Students will do the following tasks in this project and will receive two test grade.

• Take a pretest quiz – Counts as 10% of test grade

• Watch a 120+ slide power point presentation

• Write a 1000 word report (750 word for freshmen) – counts as one test grade

• Actually half the report is due after sections 1&2 and the other half after section 3

• Do a group discussion on a set of questions given the group / one written paper will be submitted for the entire group – counts as a homework grade

• Physics class will do a calculation assignment over the many physics aspects of this topic

• Take a post test – counts as 90% of test grade

Include all (51) words in reportAlpha particle

AuraoraBow ShockChromosphereConvection ZoneCoriolis EffectCoronaCoronal HoleCoronal Mass EjectionCosmic RaysDark Dust CloudDoppler EffectDynamo ProcessElectrojetsElectromagnetic SpectrumEmission SpectrumFluxHeliopauseHeliosheathHeliosphereHeliospheric Current SheetInterplanetary Medium (dust & gas)Interstellar Medium (dust & gas)Ion Magnetic MirrorMagnetic Reconnection

Magnetic TailMagnetohydrodynamicMagnetopauseMagnetosphereMaxwell-Boltzmann DistributionMolecular Cloud ComplexOhm’s LawParsecPhotonPhotospherePhysics Equations applied to presentationPlasmaPolar windPolarizationPrimordial NucleosynthesisProminenceRadiation ZoneRed Shift & Blue ShiftRing CurrentSolar WindSpiculesSun SpotsTermination ShockTeslaVan Allen Radiation Belts

Pretest – Post test [SCANTRON]

Solar Wind Project

1. How long does it take the Solar Wind to reach Earth?a. 8 minutes b. 8 hours c. 8 days d. 8 years

2. Coronal Mass Ejections is another name for the Solar Wind. [T/F]3. Which are not a part of the solar wind?

a. protons b. alpha particles c. photons d. neutrons

e. Both c & d4. In the radiation zone of the sun what condition exists?

a. there are no electrons attached to the nucleib. Most electrons are attached to nucleic. photons are attached to nuclei d. none of these

5. What zone of the sun has the photons being absorbed and re-emitted 1025 times before they leave the sun’s surface?

a. Chromosphere b. Corona c. Convection d. Radiation e. Photosphere6. The Granules seen as satellites look down upon the sun are actually located in which zone of the sun?

a. Chromosphere b. Corona c. Convection d. Radiation e. Photosphere

SOLAR WIND & INTERACTION SOLAR WIND & INTERACTION WITH THE SOLAR SYSTEM & WITH THE SOLAR SYSTEM &

INTERSTELLAR SPACEINTERSTELLAR SPACE

Astronomy Power Point PresentationAstronomy Power Point PresentationWeEXCELWeEXCEL

By Wayne KingBy Wayne KingMiamisburg High SchoolMiamisburg High School

May 12, 2008 May 12, 2008

Table of ContentsTable of Contents

1. 1. The Solar Wind and its originThe Solar Wind and its origin

2. 2. Comparison of the Interplanetary Medium with Comparison of the Interplanetary Medium with the Interstellar Medium and its interactions at the Interstellar Medium and its interactions at the fringe of our Solar Systemthe fringe of our Solar System

3.3. Earth’s magnetism, Magnetosphere and Earth’s magnetism, Magnetosphere and interaction with the Solar Windinteraction with the Solar Wind

1. 1. The Solar Wind and its OriginThe Solar Wind and its Origin

At the base of the Convections Zone the gas cells are about 30,000 km across and at the top 1,000 km

It is from the convection cells that the solar wind begins its journey, first to the Corona and then through the solar system to interstellar space.

This diagram shows the temperature increase in the three zones above the Photosphere.

The temperature at the Photosphere is 5800 K and it drops to 4500 K in the Choromosphere.

The temperature soars to over a million K at 10,000 K and readings of 100 million K have been obtained by SOHO and other solar satellites.

Astronomers believe that magnetic effects like those that cause spicules plus prominences and solar flares are responsible for these temperatures.

The Physics of the Solar WindThe Physics of the Solar Wind

Kinetic Energy = Thermal EnergyKinetic Energy = Thermal Energy

For a gas molecule or particleFor a gas molecule or particle½ mv½ mv22 = 3/2 kT = 3/2 kTKK

where: where: m = mass of particlem = mass of particlev = velocity squaredv = velocity squaredk = Boltzmann’s Constantk = Boltzmann’s Constant

k = 1.3806 x 10k = 1.3806 x 10-23 -23 J/KJ/KTTKK = Temperature in Kelvin’s = Temperature in Kelvin’s

Notice that temperature (TNotice that temperature (TKK) is proportional to the ) is proportional to the velocity (v)velocity (v)

The higher the temperature the greater the velocity and The higher the temperature the greater the velocity and it escapes the gravitational and magnetic pull of the sunit escapes the gravitational and magnetic pull of the sun

2. 2. The Solar Wind’s effects Upon The The Solar Wind’s effects Upon The Solar System and Interstellar MediumSolar System and Interstellar Medium

Bow Shock: The point where the interstellar medium, travelling in the opposite direction, becomes subsonic as it collides with the Heliosphere and the interstellar medium particles are no longer as energetic.

Outside the Heliopause, is the turbulent region caused by the pressure of the advancing interstellar medium against the Heliopause.

The picture to the right should be reversed to be consistent with the directional orientation of the first picture.

This picture shows the make-up of interstellar space and the difficulty in analyzing radiant energy received in our telescopes and spectroscopes.

The various mediums that the EM radiation goes through effects the results received as it goes through the two clouds.

This contour map shows Formaldehyde molecules, especially abundant in the darkest interstellar regions and decreasing as we move in toward the center.

The green and red lines show the Formaldehyde (H2CO) at two different frequencies of rotation.

Other kinds of molecules are found to be similarly distributed. (cyanide HCN, ammonia NH3, water H2O, etc.)

As the molecular Formaldehyde changes from the rapid rotation on the left to the slower rotation on the right, a photon is emitted that can be detected by a radio telescope on Earth.

Interstellar Medium - Interstellar Medium - (Continued)(Continued)As a result of primordial nucleosynthesis, the gas is As a result of primordial nucleosynthesis, the gas is

roughly 90% hydrogen and 10% helium by number roughly 90% hydrogen and 10% helium by number of nuclei, with additional heavier elements present of nuclei, with additional heavier elements present in trace amounts.in trace amounts.

There is no contradiction when it was stated that by mass There is no contradiction when it was stated that by mass hydrogen is 75% and helium is about 25% of the hydrogen is 75% and helium is about 25% of the interstellar gas with minor amounts of heavier atoms.interstellar gas with minor amounts of heavier atoms.

Primordial Nucleosynthesis refers to the production of Primordial Nucleosynthesis refers to the production of elements heavier than hydrogen by nuclear fusion, but elements heavier than hydrogen by nuclear fusion, but NOT inside of stars, right after the Big Bang.NOT inside of stars, right after the Big Bang.

About 2 minutes after the Big Bang was it cool enough for About 2 minutes after the Big Bang was it cool enough for deuterium (H-2) to stabilize and begin synthesis into deuterium (H-2) to stabilize and begin synthesis into heavier elements such as alpha particles by the fusion heavier elements such as alpha particles by the fusion process. There was still great pressure and KE while no process. There was still great pressure and KE while no stars were present. stars were present.

The Maxwell–Boltzmann distribution is a probability distribution with applications in physics and astronomy.

The temperature of any physical system is the result of the motions of the molecules which make up the system.

These particles have a range of different velocities, and the velocity of any single particle constantly changes due to collisions with other particles.

Shown above is the range of velocities for four Noble Gases at the temperature of 25 C. Notice that the more massive particles (Xe) has the slowest velocity and the speeds are grouped close together as compared with He which is faster and spread out.

3. 3. THE MAGNETOSPHERE OF THE THE MAGNETOSPHERE OF THE EARTH AND ITS INTERACTIONS EARTH AND ITS INTERACTIONS WITH THE SOLAR WINDWITH THE SOLAR WIND

The top picture shows the differential rotation of the inner core and that of the outer core where the inner core takes 2/3 of a second less per day to complete one daily rotation than the rest of the Earth.

This means it gains a quarter of a turn each century.

There is a rapidly moving jet stream of partially molten matter, “a mushy zone”, between the two cores helping the inner core to “super-rotate” as shown in the “red” in the bottom picture.

The P-waves (longitudinal pressure waves) can pass through the core region and these waves, resulting from earthquake activity, are gradually shifting eastward in the direction of the core rotation.

This implies that the inner core has a faster rotation than the rest of the planet.

Notice the quarter of a rotation increase since 1900 which is a shift of 1o per year relative to the crust above.

The first rigorous study of the Earth’s magnetism was done by W. Gilbert's "De Magnete," written in the reign of Elizabeth I at the end of the 16th century. He realized that the Earth was a giant magnet with a dipolar magnetic field.

It was realized not long afterward that the internal magnetic field varied with time as the table shows.

While at present the principal variation is a eastward drift of 45o in 440 years.

The magnitude has diminished by 18.8% in the same period of time.

The tilt angle from the axis of rotation has increased by 8.4o to 11.5o and is decreasing again to 10.8o and if the pattern is continues it is probably at 10.6o today.

To be correct the poles of the magnet must be reversed.

The arrows of the magnetosphere are correct.

Both pictures to the left show the solar wind being diverted and the Earth protected by its magnetosphere.

The picture to the upper right shows the two Van Allen Radiation Belts surrounding the Earth. These are a torus of energetic charge particles (plasma) around Earth, held in place by Earth's magnetic field.

The inner belt 1.1 - 3.3 Earth radii, contains primarily protons

Outer belt 3 - 9 Re contains electrons

This picture presents a new finding where Magnetic Reconnection occurs at about 100 Earth diameters from the Earth.

The typical end to the Magnetosphere is about 60 Earth radii.

A Reconnection Zone has been discovered where electrons are energized and excited to almost the speed of light (2.41 E8 m/s which is 80% the speed of light).

It is the Magnetic Reconnection model that is believed to occur on the sun with solar flares explaining how they obtain such high energy (T=100 million K) as compared to the surface of the sun (T=5800 K).

MAGNETIC RECONNECTIONMAGNETIC RECONNECTION

To the left are the Aurora Ovals

Below are various auroras

GROUP DISCUSSION QUESTIONS Names_________________________Period ____

Directions: Students will get into their groups and discuss the following questions. The “Recorder” will write down all the answers given by the members of the group on this paper. All group members will receive the same class-work grade. Only one paper is to be turned in per group. The teacher will discuss these answers at the end of the period as a check on your work.

1) Discuss what is the Solar Wind? Identify all the components that make up the Solar Wind.

2) Discuss the various ways that the Solar Wind is released from the sun.

3) Discuss the role of Magnetism with the Solar Wind.

4) Discuss as many facts as possible about the Interplanetary Medium.

(14 Total Questions)

Honors Physics – Solar Wind Worksheet Name _________________________

Solve each problem showing all your work with at least 3 digit accuracy.

7) Given the Coriolis Equations: a. [ac = -2ω x v where x is a cross product meaning to multiply by sinθ] b. [Fc = -2mω x v]c. [Coriolis Parameter f = 2ωsinθ]d. [Rossby Number Ro = v/fL]

__________________Determine the acceleration of a 250 kg missile, with a velocity of 160 m/s being shot from Miamisburg (latitude 40o and longitude 84o) to a point on the equator west of Miamisburg with a latitude 0o and longitude of 200o. [ Note: Be careful of the angle determination - Assume the Earth is perfectly round with a radius of 6.38 E6 m and ω is determined by what you know about a day on the Earth]

__________________What distance would you miss the target by if you did not take the proper corrective action? (How many meters East or West of the target on the equator?) State the direction you would miss by along with the distance in meters.

__________________Determine the Coriolis Force acting upon the missile.

__________________Determine the Rossby Number and interpret this number as to what it implies and give the reason for your statement.

FRESHMEN – PHYSICAL WORLD RESULTS

PretestPost test Percent

Percent Percent Difference

15103 32 64 31

15292 17 51 34

13699 25 51 26

103290 21 44 23

15355 35 44 9

22146 15 44 28

15224 11 44 33

15300 22 43 20

17985 12 41 29

21337 15 40 25

20385 18 39 21

20009 15 39 24

21197 34 38 4

15233 19 38 18

19843 10 38 28

15287 22 36 14

15080 14 36 22

15262 15 33 18

15293 0 31 31

15537 10 31 21

15817 15 30 15

50747 25 29 4

20905 23 29 6

16925 14 29 15

21651 13 28 14

15491 9 28 19

113019 11 26 15

15131 18 26 8

123166 9 26 17

15083 24 25 1

15802 18 25 7

16307 12 24 12

15216 7 24 17

16794 13 23 9

114905 12 23 11

21514 16 21 5

15600 11 21 10

14948 11 21 10

123189 12 20 8

14083 13 19 6

15369 14 19 5

15311 18 15 -3

Average 16.17 32.20 16.03

STD 7.03 10.48 9.48

ID # PretestPost test Percent

Percent Percent Increase

12574 53 46 -7

22204 50 83 33

23686 49 45 -4

21604 48 28 -20

18793 47 44 -3

13247 42 56 14

13067 40 65 25

19898 36 61 25

24716 35 58 23

11669 34 65 31

21603 32 49 17

11398 32 70 38

19906 30 55 25

16590 29 46 18

15739 28 45 17

14505 26 60 34

21613 21 50 29

11444 13 64 51

Average 35.74 54.93 19.19

STD 10.94 12.44 17.88

Honors Physics

ID # PretestPost test Percent

Percent Percent Increase

15409 15 29 14

17435 34 40 6

11968 18 29 11

23699 15 39 24

18299 32 46 14

16660 38 54 16

17617 21 20 -1

24834 38 51 14

12178 0 25 25

11837 40 50 10

11856 16 0 -16

1032 15 23 8

Average 23.35 33.75 10.40

STD 12.49 15.87 11.03

Astronomy

Comparisons

Average 35.74 54.93 19.19

STD 10.94 12.44 17.88Honors Physics

Average 23.35 33.75 10.40

STD 12.49 15.87 11.03Astronomy

Average 16.17 32.20 16.03

STD 7.03 10.48 9.48Physical World

CONCLUSIONS ????