1. Core: This is the innermost layer, where nuclear fusion takes place. It's incredibly dense and hot, reaching temperatures of about 15 million degrees Celsius.
2. Radiative Zone: This layer surrounds the core and energy is transported outwards by radiation. It takes millions of years for energy to move through this zone.
3. Convective Zone: Energy is transported outward by convection, where hot plasma rises and cool plasma sinks, creating a circular pattern.
4. Photosphere: This is the visible surface of the Sun, the layer we see when we look at it. It's about 500 kilometers thick and has a temperature of about 5,500 degrees Celsius.
Here's a quick comparison:
| Layer | Description | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Core | Where nuclear fusion occurs | 15 million degrees Celsius |
| Radiative Zone | Energy transported by radiation | Several million degrees Celsius |
| Convective Zone | Energy transported by convection | 2 million degrees Celsius |
| Photosphere | Visible surface of the Sun | 5,500 degrees Celsius |