NASA | IRIS: The Science of NASA's Newest Solar Explorer

The video explores the journey of the sun's energy from its core to the outer layers, focusing on the chromosphere where temperatures rise unexpectedly. The IRIS mission aims to study this region in detail using advanced imaging techniques. The interaction of light and matter in the chromosphere is complex, requiring sophisticated modeling. Despite the corona's extreme heat, it requires minimal energy due to its low density. The video highlights the importance of understanding these processes to comprehend solar phenomena and their impact on the solar system.

What happens to the temperature as energy moves from the sun's core to the photosphere?

• It remains constant.

• It increases.

• It fluctuates randomly.

• It decreases.

What is the primary focus of the IRIS mission?

• To measure the sun's magnetic fields.

• To analyze the chromosphere in detail.

• To study the sun's core.

• To capture images of the solar wind.

Why is the chromosphere's light difficult to interpret?

• It is too dim.

• It is absorbed by the corona.

• It interacts complexly with matter.

• It is too bright.

How much energy from the chromosphere is needed to power the corona?

• A large fraction.

• None at all.

• A small fraction.

• Half of the chromosphere's energy.

What role does the chromosphere play in the solar system?

• It blocks ultraviolet light.

• It absorbs energy from the corona.

• It drives the solar wind.

• It cools down the planets.