The Eight Layers of the Sun

Core

The hottest part of the Sun is the core, at 28,080,000°F, on average.

Radiative Zone

The second layer becomes cooler and is where photon particles carry energy in all directions through a process called radiation.

Tachocline

A thin third layer, the tachocline acts as a border between two differently rotating zones.

Convective Zone

The fourth layer is a zone of boiling, bubbling plasma that transfers energy outward through a process called convection.

Photosphere

The fifth layer is the visible surface where sunspots appear.

Chromosphere

The sixth layer is where the temperature begins to rise again. A thin, reddish layer, the chromosphere is seen only during eclipses or with special solar-viewing equipment.

Transition Region

The layer between the hot corona and cooler chromosphere

Corona

The eighth and outer layer of the Sun gets extremely hot, measuring 1,800,000°F more. This layer extends far into space and is shaped by the Sun's magnetic field, is visible only during eclipses or with special equipment.

Now that's hot!

See more burning facts about your Sun!