Solar Unit 1
Solar Energy, Seasons, and the Atmosphere
Earth System Science
Introduction ☀
The solar system condensed from a nebula, which is a collapsing cloud of dust. In the solar
system, Earth (the blue planet) revolves around the Sun in an elliptical pattern, which is also
the primary source of energy for the planet.
Earth’s Orbit ☀
Perihelion: When the Earth is closest to the sun (January 3rd)
Aphelion: When the Earth is furthest from the sun (July 4t)
● The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is 150,000,000 km (93,000,000
mi).
● It takes light around eight minutes and twenty seconds to reach the Earth from the Sun.
● The plane of Earth’s orbit is titled the plane of the ecliptic.
Solar Activity ☀
Solar Wind
● Solar wind is clouds of electrically charged particles
Sun Spots
● Sunspots are caused by magnetic storms.
● They have a cycle of eleven years.
● Impacts technology.
○ Can disrupt GPS signals.
The Sun radiates shortwave energy whilst the Earth
radiates longwave energy, in regards to the electromagnetic
spectrum. Shorter wavelengths have the tendency to carry more energy.
Distribution of Insolation ☀
● The tropics receive more concentrated insolation because of the Earth’s shape.
Solar Energy, Seasons, and the Atmosphere
Earth System Science
Introduction ☀
The solar system condensed from a nebula, which is a collapsing cloud of dust. In the solar
system, Earth (the blue planet) revolves around the Sun in an elliptical pattern, which is also
the primary source of energy for the planet.
Earth’s Orbit ☀
Perihelion: When the Earth is closest to the sun (January 3rd)
Aphelion: When the Earth is furthest from the sun (July 4t)
● The average distance between the Earth and the Sun is 150,000,000 km (93,000,000
mi).
● It takes light around eight minutes and twenty seconds to reach the Earth from the Sun.
● The plane of Earth’s orbit is titled the plane of the ecliptic.
Solar Activity ☀
Solar Wind
● Solar wind is clouds of electrically charged particles
Sun Spots
● Sunspots are caused by magnetic storms.
● They have a cycle of eleven years.
● Impacts technology.
○ Can disrupt GPS signals.
The Sun radiates shortwave energy whilst the Earth
radiates longwave energy, in regards to the electromagnetic
spectrum. Shorter wavelengths have the tendency to carry more energy.
Distribution of Insolation ☀
● The tropics receive more concentrated insolation because of the Earth’s shape.
