Our Star the Sun

Calcium K
Helium 1
Soft X-ray
No Filter

This is a picture of the Sun's visible layer; the layer you see from the Earth's surface. This layer of the Sun is the furthest we can see by direct means. It is called the photosphere.

This image has recorded all wavelengths of visible light emitted from the Sun. No single wavelength has been filtered out, but a filter was used to reduce the amount of light. The Sun is very bright. When we look at the Sun we must reduce the brightness so we do not damage our eyes or our camera. This image was taken by a telescope at the Catania Astrophysical Observatory in Italy.

What do you see in this image? Click on it to see a larger version. You should be able to find some dark spots, called sunspots.

When you finish looking at the unfiltered Sun, try the other filter buttons.


When you have viewed all the images of the Sun let's discuss what we have seen.


Viewing the Sun Filters Lesson The Calcium Filtered Sun