Basis for Fundamental Solar Data: Table 10

Essay

Basis for Fundamental Solar Data: Table 10.1 in your text lists all of the basic fundamental data for the Sun: its mass, radius, luminosity, rotation rate, surface temperature, and composition. Taking each of the quantities in turn, outline the basic observations and physical principles used to infer the values. When done, consider one final fact about the Sun: its core temperature is about 15 million degrees (Kelvin). What observations support this value? Do you consider the Sun's core temperature to be more or less well established than the basic data of Table 10.1? Explain.