Sun

• http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level1/sun.html

  • This is a site where K-4 students can learn about the Sun!

• http://starchild.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/StarChild/solar_system_level2/sun.html

  • All about the Sun for the 5-8 grader.

• http://sohowww.nascom.nasa.gov/

  • This site showcases the SOHO (SOlar and Heliospheric Observatory based at NASA-Goddard Space Flight Center) satellite, which contains instruments intended to analyze the Sun during the quiet portion of the solar cycle. The SOHO gallery features images and information from each of the instruments. For students in high school and above.

• http://solar-center.stanford.edu/

  • This site presents a collection of fun educational activities based on Solar Oscillations Investigation (SOI) and Solar and Heliospheric Observatory (SOHO) data. For students in middle school and above.

• http://helios.gsfc.nasa.gov

  • Produced by the ACE project at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, this site is designed to increase interest in cosmic rays and heliospheric science. (The heliosphere is the HUGE area in space affected by the Sun.) It also includes some astrophysics basics, a glossary, a history of cosmic ray studies, and the chance to "Ask a Physicist." High school level or above.

• http://www.spaceweather.com

  • This site gives a daily picture of the Sun, allowing you to observe the current sunspot population. Topics include recent solar flares, aurora, coronal mass ejection. Lots of great pictures and time-lapse videos. Great for any age (K-12).

• http://seds.lpl.arizona.edu/nineplanets/nineplanets/sol.html

  • A list of interesting Sun facts, with pictures, and lots of links. Middle school and above.

• http://sec.gsfc.nasa.gov/

  • Goddard's Sun-Earth Connection webpage. Includes information on all past, present, and future earth- and sun-related missions, and an education forum with resources for teachers. Check out the Scientific Visualization Studio to see movies of solar flares, coronal mass ejections, and animations that explain how auroras are formed. Most material appropriate for high school students.

• http://solar-heliospheric.engin.umich.edu/hjenning/Home.html

  • General information on the Sun and the Heliosphere. Allows the reader to choose from two learning levels. High school and above.

Books

• Carlowicz, Michael J. and Lopez, Ramon E. "Storms from the Sun." Joseph Henry Press. 2002. This book is filled with technology, science, and the politics of space weather and is filled with colorful anecdotes. A good read for high school students or anyone with an interest in the Sun and how it affects satellites.
• Hufbauer, K., Exploring the Sun: Solar Science Since Galileo, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1991. This book contains a more recent historical account of the development of solar physics from the early seventeenth century to the present. For students in high school and above.

• Gaustad, John & Zeilik, Michael, Astronomy: The Cosmic Perspective- second edition, John Wiley & Sons, Inc., 1990. This text was designed for an introductory astronomy course for upper high school or undergraduate students who want a comprehensive view and understanding of modern astronomy, including the Sun and stellar coronae (see Chapter 16).

• Giacconi, R. & Gursky, H., X-Ray Astronomy, D. Reidel Publishing Company. Known as a 'classic' X-ray astromomy text book. Includes discussion of the Sun (see Chapters 1, 2, & 5) at a level intended for the undergraduate science major, or above.

• Giacconi, R. & Tucker, W., The X-ray Universe, Harvard University Press, 1985. Considered to be another 'classic' X-ray astromomy text book. Includes discussion of the Sun (see Chapter 12) at a level intended for the undergraduate science major, or above.

• Kaufmann, William J. III, Universe, Freeman and Company, 1994. This book comes highly recommended from both students and scientists. It explains many concepts in astronomy from cosmology to high-energy astrophysics, including information on the Sun (see Chapter 19). Intended for the upper high school student with a strong science background and interest, or the undergraduate science major taking a basic astronomy course.
• Lang, Ken, "Sun, Earth,and Sky". This book would be appropriate for high school students.
• Levy, David H., A Nature Company Guide: Skywatching, Time-Life Books, 1995. This book provides a general overview and discussion of astronomical objects, including the Sun. For students in middle school or above.
• Rosen, Sidney, How Far is a Star?, Carolrhoda Books, Inc.,1992. With cartoon characters leading the way, you'll find out about our Sun and other stars in this question-and-answer book. Intended for students in elementary school.
• Simon, Seymour, "The Sun." Mulberry Books. October 1989. A short book that exposes young children (ages 4-8) to large color images and facts about the Sun.
• White, O. R. (ed), The Solar Radiative Output and its Variations, Colorado Associated University Press, 1977. This book talks about the influence of solar variability on the Earth's climate. For students in high school and above.

Slide Sets

• Space Physics and Aeronomy (SPA) Researchers Classroom Assistant Slide Set. This also has an information guide for high school classroom presentations. Topics include solar-terrestrial physics, magnetosphere, plasma, sunspots, aurora and much more. (24 slides, $30.00). For more information, contact the American Geophysical Union at http://www.agu.org/pubs/order.html