A "Dancing" Layer of the Sun
 
 
Above the photosphere is a layer of gas, approximately 2000 km thick,  
known as the chromosphere or sphere of color. 
In the chromosphere energy continues to be transported by radiation. 
Hydrogen atoms absorb energy from the photosphere and most of the energy 
is then emitted as red light. The chromosphere is most easily viewed by 
filtering out all other wavelengths of light from the Sun and only letting 
the red light from the chromosphere through. 
Views of the chromosphere show convective cell patterns similar to those in 
the photosphere, but much larger. This large scale convection is known as 
super-granulation.
 
Another interesting feature of the chromosphere is its jagged outer layer 
which is constantly changing.  The motion is much like flames shooting up 
several thousands of kilometers and then falling again. These spiky, dancing 
flames are called spicules and can be seen in the image to the right.
 
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