Astronomy/electric sun

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Expert: Steven LJ Russo - 8/15/2007


Question
Hi Steven.

I'm starting to think that the sun resembles a giant ball of electricity. Is this stupid? Thanks.

Answer
Well, you are "sort of close".  The SUn of course is a large burning sphere.  However, like a giant Magnet, it does reverse its noth and south poles every several years.  Magnetism and electricity are somewhat related, kind of like cousins.  And sunspots on the sun, can interfere with power generation here on the Earth.

So your thinking is not that far fetched !

Steve

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Steven LJ Russo

Expertise

As a space science educator in a planetarium, my work centers around teaching people about the night sky and the solar system. I have a strong background in those areas, plus the history of NASA and spaceflight, and meteorology.

Experience

Experience in the area. I have been an amateur astronomer for 47 years, and have been teachng space science in planetariums for 34 years. For 15 years I was a radio and television meteorologist, and for the past 20 years I have been a space science writer for two newspapers in New York State. I am a member of the Middle Atlantic Planetarium Society and the International Planetarium Society. I have had a number of articles published in several astronomy journals, including "The Constellation" and the "Planetarian". Education/Credentials. I hold a B. S. from Wagner College and an M. S. from State University of New York at Oswego. Awards and Honors. I have been awarded the "Fellows" award from the International Planetarium Society for more than 20 years of continuous service in the planetarium field.

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