Sun Basics

Solar flares, the main objects of RHESSI's study, are one of the many dynamic and enigmatic structures observed in and on the Sun. Solar scientists have a basic idea of how the Sun works, but the details are still being worked out. For example it is not known exactly how solar flares are created, although there are some strong hypotheses about this. Before studying the particulars of solar flares, it's important to know the basics of the Sun. The following links will provide you with background in solar science.

General Information

• YPOP Spotlight  - (http://www.lmsal.com/YPOP/Spotlight/)
  From the Yohkoh Mission Public Outreach Project.   "A collection of informational "tours" on the Sun.  In particular, check out the Solar Tour and Structure of the Sun. 
• Live From the Sun - (http://www.passporttoknowledge.com/sun/)
  A  multimedia curriculum about the Sun and solar research during solar maximum
• Solar Physics - (http://wwwssl.msfc.nasa.gov/ssl/pad/solar/) 
  from NASA's Marshall Space Flight Center.  A more advanced and detailed look at many aspects of solar science.  

Sunspots

While the RHESSI mission is not studying sunspots, there is a relationship between sunspot regions and solar flares.  Sunspots are the most easily observed solar feature, and a useful subject for classroom study.  If you become enthusiastic about sunspot observation, join our SunspotNet collaborative online activity.

• Sunspots - (http://cse.ssl.berkeley.edu/segwayed/lessons/sunspots/)
  from the Science Education Gateway  (SEGway)
• The Sunspot Cycle - (http://science.nasa.gov/ssl/pad/solar/sunspots.htm)
  An Explanation of observations of the sunspot cycle from the Marshall Space Flight Center

Solar Flares

• Overview of Solar Flares - (http://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/hessi/flares.htm)
  from the Goddard RHESSI home page for  a more detailed 
• Solar Flare Theory Web Page  - (http://hesperia.gsfc.nasa.gov/sftheory/index.htm)
  from the Laboratory for Astronomy and Solar Physics at GSFC
• Here is the Classification Scheme (http://www.spaceweather.com/flareexpl.html) for solar flares of different strengths, which you will need if you plan to use and interpret RHESSI data when the mission starts. 

Magnetism and the Sun

The energy for solar flares and other energetic events on and in the Sun comes from the Sun's magnetic field.  Follow these links to learn more about this subject.

• Magnetic Personality  - (http://vestige.lmsal.com/TRACE/Public/magnetic.htm)
  from the TRACE (Transitional Region And Coronal Explorer) mission educational outreach page
• Magnetism - The Key to Understanding the Sun - (http://wwwssl.msfc.nasa.gov/ssl/pad/solar/the_key.htm)
  from the Solar Physics Site a Marshall Space Flight Center