chromosphere

chromosphere kr?m?sf?r? [key] [Gr.,=color sphere], layer of rarefied, transparent gases in the solar atmosphere; it measures 6,000 mi (9,700 km) in thickness and lies between the photosphere (the sun's visible surface) and the corona (its outer atmosphere).

Sections in this article:

• Introduction
• Composition and Characteristics of the Chromosphere
• Solar Activity Originating in the Chromosphere

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright 2012, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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