EarthComm Earth System Evolution: Astronomy and Your Community Activity 5

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Earthsystem Evolution book
It's About Time/AGI

Structure of the Sun

  • A Look Inside Our Nearest Star! Montana State University
    Find out more about the interior structure of our nearest star. This page features a brief introduction with links to separate pages on different parts of the sun.
  • Solar Radiation, National Snow and Ice Data Center
    Read this primer on solar radiation and learn about the factors that modify the role solar radiation plays in the Earth's energy budget.

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The Earth's Energy Budget

  • Earth's Energy Balance, EOS Terra Mission NASA
    This article focuses on the overarching priorities of the Earth Observing System. Please notice this is a pdf file.
  • Earth's Energy Budget, Oklahoma Climatological Survey
    Follow along with a two page description of the balance between the amount of energy absorbed into and released out of the Earth's system.

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Harmful Solar Radiation

  • Ultraviolet Radiation, NAS - NASA
    Learn more about the health risks from ultraviolet radiation.
  • Sunlight, Ultraviolet Radiation, and the Skin, National Institutes of Health
    A report from 1989 that addresses, among other issues, what are the sources of ultraviolet radiation, and is the extent of human exposure changing over time?
  • Ozone Depletion, EPA
    Navigate through a web site dedicated to the topic of ozone depletion. In particular, check out the Ozone Science Fact Sheet to review some basic facts.

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Sunspots and Solar Flares

  • Solar Flare Theory, Goddard Space Flight Center - NASA
    The purpose of this page is to provide some general information about solar flares, a "feel" for scientific research into the energetic emissions from flares, and a glance into the future of solar flare research.

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To learn more about daily solar activity, visit the following web sites:

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To learn more about the auroras, visit the following web sites:

  • 'tis the Season for Auroras, NASA
    Autumn is a good time to spot Northern Lights, and scientists would like to know why.
  • Auroras - Paintings in the Sky, Exploratorium
    This site will show you what auroras look like on Earth and from space, explain how they are created, and show you where they can be found. Teach yourself using the "Self-Guided Lesson" button.

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To learn more about how scientists maps Earth-approaching asteroids, visit the following web sites:

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To learn more about the hole in the ozone layer, visit the following web sites:

  • The Science of Ozone Depletion, EPA
    This page has links to articles that give overviews or broad information, shorter pieces that focus on specific aspects of ozone depletion, international organizations that issue regular updates, and images and animations of ozone levels and ozone depletion.

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To learn more about the life of British physicist Edward Victor Appleton, visit the following web sites:

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