Two astronomers are viewing temperature data from each of the sun’s layers but the layers aren’t identified. Describe one way the scientists can use temperature to identify which layer they are studying

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2 months ago

One way the astronomers can use temperature to identify which layer of the Sun they are studying is by comparing the measured temperature with the established temperature ranges of the Sun’s layers, which are known from previous scientific research. The Sun's structure consists of several layers:

1. **Core**: Approximately 15 million degrees Celsius.
2. **Radiative Zone**: Ranges from about 7 million to 2 million degrees Celsius.
3. **Convective Zone**: Temperature decreases from about 2 million degrees Celsius at the bottom to about 5,500 degrees Celsius at the surface.
4. **Photosphere**: The visible surface of the Sun, approximately 5,500 degrees Celsius.
5. **Chromosphere**: Ranges from about 4,500 to 25,000 degrees Celsius.
6. **Corona**: A very high-temperature layer, ranging from 1 to 3 million degrees Celsius, but can reach temperatures up to 2 million degrees Celsius.

By measuring the temperature of the region they are observing and then comparing it to these known temperature ranges, they can determine which layer they are studying. For example, if they measure a temperature around 5,500 degrees Celsius, they can conclude they are observing the Photosphere. If they measure a temperature of around 2 million degrees Celsius, they can ascertain they are viewing the core or the lower part of the Radiative zone, while measurements nearing 1 to 3 million degrees Celsius would suggest they are observing the Corona.