The Universe

Total Questions: 51

51. Which is the chief heavenly body of solar system? [67th B.P.S.C. (Pre) (Re. Exam) 2022]

Correct Answer: (d) Sun
Solution:The main celestial body of the solar system is Sun. Sun is located at the centre of solar system. It has a layered structure, consisting of several distinct regions or zones, moving from its core outward.
  • Core: The core is the innermost region of the Sun, where nuclear fusion reactions take place. It is the hottest part, with temperatures exceeding 15 million degrees Celsius. These high temperatures and pressures cause hydrogen nuclei to fuse into helium, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of light and heat.
  • Radiative Zone: Surrounding the core is the radiative zone. In this region, energy generated in the core is transported outward primarily through the process of radiation. Photons of light are absorbed and re-emitted by charged particles, gradually making their way to the next layer.
  • Convective Zone: Beyond the radiative zone is the convective zone. In this region, energy is transported by the physical motion of material. Hot, less dense plasma rises from the core to the surface, while cooler, denser material sinks back down in a process called convection.
  • Photosphere: The photosphere is the visible surface of the Sun that emits the light we see. It has an average temperature of around 5,500 degrees Celsius. The photosphere contains various features like sunspots, granules, and supergranules, which are related to the Sun's magnetic activity.
  • Chromosphere: Above the photosphere is the chromosphere, a layer of the Sun's atmosphere. During a solar eclipse, the chromosphere is visible as a reddish-pink ring around the dark disk of the Moon. This region is hotter than the photosphere.
  • Transition Region: The transition region is a narrow layer between the chromosphere and the outer atmosphere, known as the corona. Temperatures in the transition region rise rapidly.
  • Corona: The corona is the outermost layer, extending millions of kilometers into space. It is incredibly hot, with temperatures exceeding a million degrees Celsius. The corona is visible during a total solar eclipse as a halo of faint, white light radiating from the Sun's disk.