Why is the Sun's outer atmosphere hotter than its surface?
Quick Answer
The corona is heated by magnetic processes, not by direct sunlight, and can reach temperatures of over 1 million degrees Celsius.
The Full Story
The Sun’s photosphere is about 5,500 degrees Celsius, but the corona can exceed 1 million degrees Celsius. This is one of solar physics’ biggest mysteries, because temperature increases with distance from the visible surface rather than decreasing. Scientists think magnetic waves, reconnection, and small-scale energy release in the Sun’s magnetic field contribute to the heating. Space missions such as NASA’s Parker Solar Probe, launched in 2018, are studying this up close. Understanding the corona matters because it drives solar wind and space weather that can affect satellites and power grids.
Key Facts
YouTube Angle
Suggested video title for this topic:
"How can the Sun get hotter the farther you go from it?"
Was this answer helpful?
Tap a reaction — it helps us pick what to cover next.