The Solar Interior
The computer generated image represents an acoustic wave resonating in the
interior of the Sun. Solar waves move through the Sun like sound waves
through the air. Temperature, composition, and motions deep in the Sun influence
the oscillation periods and yield insights into conditions in the solar
interior, whose distinct regions are shown on one face of the cutaway. Three
instruments will be devoted to this new science called helioseismology:
in the same way that seismologists can learn about the Earth's interior by
monitoring waves caused by earthquakes, so too can solar scientists learn about
the interior of the Sun by monitoring wave oscillations.
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