A velocity map of the sun surface acoustic waves: red regions
represent inward motions while blue regions
show outward motions
Mount Wilson Observatory
Diagnostics for the Solar Interior
The Sun, as well as other stars, releases energy in the form of radiation and
particles.
The processes that produce this energy are taking place in the
interior of the Sun,
where direct observations are not possible.
However by means of indirect methods it is
possible to determine what the nature of this energy source is likely to be.
Two of the most important diagnostics for the solar interior are
neutrino detection and the analysis of the sound
(compressional) waves that propagate
through the Sun
(
Helioseismology).
Neutrinos are produced in
the nuclear reactions that take place in
the core of the Sun.
From this information, it is possible to formulate theories about the
life cycle of the Sun and of
stars in general.
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