Jets of Plasma in the Sun’s Chromosphere

Why in news?

• Scientists have unravelled the science behind the jets of plasma - the fourth state of matter consisting of electrically charged particles that occur just about everywhere in the sun’s chromosphere, which is the atmospheric layer just above the Sun's visible surface.

What are Jets of Plasma?

• Jets or spicules appear as thin grass-like plasma structures that constantly shoot up from the surface of the sun and are then brought down by gravity.
• The amount of energy and momentum that these spicules can carry is of fundamental interest in solar and plasma astrophysics.
• However, the processes by which plasma is supplied to the solar wind and the solar atmosphere is heated to a million degrees Celsius still remain a puzzle.

Recent findings:

• Scientists have explained the origin of ‘spicules’ or ‘jets’ on the Sun.
• They explained that the plasma right below the visible solar surface (photosphere) is perpetually in a state of convection, much like boiling water in a vessel heated at the bottom.
• This is ultimately powered by the nuclear energy released in the hot-dense core.
• The convection serves almost periodic but strong kicks to the plasma in the solar chromosphere, the shallow semi-transparent layer right above the visible solar disk. The chromosphere is 500 times lighter than the plasma in the photosphere.
• Therefore, these strong kicks from the bottom shoot the chromospheric plasma outward at ultrasonic speeds in the form of spicules or jets.

PRACTICE QUESTION

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Jets of Plasma’ in the Sun’s Chromosphere:

1. They are electrically charged particles

2. They are perpetually in a state of convection

3. They powered by the nuclear energy released in the core of the Sun.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 only

(d) 1,2 and 3

Answer