What is the term for the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere?

Study for the NJROTC Academics Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions. Each question comes with detailed explanations. Get ready to pass your exam with confidence!

The outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere is known as the corona. This region is characterized by its extremely high temperatures, which can reach up to several million degrees Celsius, and it extends far into space. The corona is visible during a total solar eclipse, appearing as a pearly white crown surrounding the Sun.

The corona plays a crucial role in solar phenomena, such as solar winds, which are streams of charged particles emitted from the Sun. Understanding the corona is vital for studying solar activity and its impact on the solar system, including Earth's magnetosphere.

The other layers of the Sun, while significant, are not the outermost. The photosphere is the visible surface layer from which sunlight is emitted, and the chromosphere is located just above the photosphere, characterized by a reddish glow during solar eclipses. The core, on the other hand, is the innermost layer where nuclear fusion occurs, producing the Sun's energy. Hence, while each layer has its own distinct characteristics and functions, the corona is specifically recognized as the outermost layer of the Sun's atmosphere.

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