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Basics of Astrophysics

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Heliocentric Model

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A model of the solar system that places the Sun at the center, with planets orbiting around it. Developed by Nicolaus Copernicus. Example: The modern understanding of our Solar System.

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Solar Flare

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A sudden flash of increased brightness on the Sun, typically observed near its surface and in close proximity to a sunspot group. Example: The X-class solar flare that occurred on March 29, 2014.

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Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)

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A significant release of plasma and accompanying magnetic field from the solar corona. Example: A CME that hits Earth and causes auroras.

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Aurora

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A natural light display in the Earth's sky, predominantly seen in high-latitude regions, caused by the collision of energetic charged particles with atoms in the high altitude atmosphere. Example: The Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights.

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Solar Wind

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A stream of charged particles released from the upper atmosphere of the Sun. Example: Constant flow of particles extending to the heliopause.

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Magnetosphere

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The region of space surrounding an astronomical object in which charged particles are controlled by that object's magnetic field. Example: Earth's magnetosphere deflecting solar wind.

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Geomagnetic Storm

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A temporary disturbance of the Earth's magnetosphere caused by a solar wind shock wave and/or cloud of magnetic field. Example: The Quebec blackout in March 1989.

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Sunspot

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A temporary phenomenon on the Sun's photosphere that appears as spots darker than the surrounding areas. Example: Sunspots often indicate regions of intense magnetic activity.

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Photosphere

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The visible surface of the Sun from which light is emitted. Example: The layer of the sun we typically see with solar filters.

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Solar Cycle

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A nearly 11-year cycle that includes variations in the Sun's activity and appearance, such as sunspot numbers. Example: The transition from Solar Cycle 24 to Solar Cycle 25 around 2019-2021.

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Heliosphere

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The bubble-like region of space dominated by the solar wind and magnetic field of the Sun. Example: The outer boundary of the heliosphere, known as the heliopause.

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Heliopause

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The theoretical boundary where the Sun's solar wind is stopped by the interstellar medium. Example: Where the Voyager probes have entered interstellar space.

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Van Allen Radiation Belts

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Two doughnut-shaped regions of energetic charged particles around Earth, held in place by its magnetic field. Example: These belts pose a challenge for spacecraft electronics and human spaceflight.

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Chromosphere

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A layer of the Sun's atmosphere above the photosphere and below the corona that appears red during solar eclipses. Example: Region of the sun seen as a red rim during a solar eclipse.

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Corona

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The outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere, extending millions of kilometers into space and visible during a total solar eclipse. Example: The white halo observed around the sun during a total solar eclipse.

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Solar Prominences

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Large, bright features extending outward from the Sun's surface, often in a loop shape, caused by the Sun's magnetic field. Example: Looped shapes extending from the sun visible during total solar eclipses.

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Ionosphere

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A region of the Earth's upper atmosphere, ionized by solar and cosmic radiation, affecting radio wave propagation. Example: Northern Lights occur in the ionosphere.

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Flux Transfer Event (FTE)

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A phenomenon where magnetic fields from the Sun and Earth connect briefly, allowing solar wind to enter the Earth's magnetosphere. Example: Causes pulses of particles and energy to enter the Earth's magnetic field.

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Alfvén Waves

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Magnetohydrodynamic waves in a plasma, caused by the interaction of magnetic fields and charged particles. Example: These waves transfer energy from the Sun's surface to its corona.

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Parker Solar Probe

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A NASA space probe launched in 2018 to study the outer corona of the Sun and solve mysteries regarding the physics of stars. Example: Closest approach to the Sun by any spacecraft.

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