Monday, April 1, 2013

Douglas Middendorf's Quiz

How do we know what is happening inside the Sun?
by using applied physics.
E = mc^2 \,\!
What causes solar activity?
changes in the organization of the Sun’s magnetic field.
How does solar activity vary with time?
The degree of activity varies.
Do neutrinos have mass?
Yes.
Do we get neutrinos from the Sun?
Yes.
What did Ray Davis get the Nobel prize for?
For pioneering contributions to astrophysics, in particular for the detection of cosmic neutrinos.
How long is the sunspot cycle?
11 years.
Why are sunspots cooler?
Because strong magnetic activity inhibits convection from below.
Are there magnetic fields in the Sun?
Yes.
What is the solar wind?
The continuous flow of charged particles from the sun that permeates the solar system.

No comments: