The core of the sun is
Pro Research Analysisby 
Searched over 200M research papers
The Core of the Sun: Structure, Composition, and Dynamics
Structure and Temperature of the Solar Core
The core of the Sun is the innermost layer, comprising about 10% of the Sun's mass. It is characterized by extreme conditions, with temperatures reaching approximately 16 million Kelvin and a density about 160 times that of water . This high temperature and density are essential for the nuclear fusion processes that power the Sun, converting hydrogen into helium and releasing vast amounts of energy.
Composition: Hydrogen, Helium, and the Iron Core Hypothesis
The core is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium nuclei. However, there has been speculation about the presence of an iron core. This hypothesis suggests that an iron core, constituting about 5% of the Sun's radius, could explain the observed deficiency in solar neutrino production. The iron core would be stable at the core's temperature of 14 million Kelvin, potentially aligning with the lower-than-expected neutrino flux detected on Earth .
Solar Neutrinos and Core Density
Measurements of solar neutrinos have been crucial in understanding the core's properties. Recent studies using data from the BiSON network indicate that the solar sound speed in the core is slightly higher than previously inferred, and the density results show smaller differences compared to earlier models. These findings suggest that the core's density is more consistent with the Sun's overall mass distribution . Additionally, new diagnostic methods using neutrino flux measurements have inferred that the electronic density in the Sun's inner core is significantly higher than current standard solar model predictions, by as much as 25% .
Core Rotation and Solar Oscillations
The core's rotation has been a subject of intense study. Subtle vibrations on the solar surface, originating from the core, indicate that the core rotates faster than the rest of the Sun . This differential rotation has been confirmed by measurements of solar oscillations, which reveal variations in angular velocity with depth. The core's rotation rate is roughly twice that of the surface, posing challenges for existing dynamo models of the solar cycle .
Conclusion
The core of the Sun is a region of extreme conditions and complex dynamics. It is primarily composed of hydrogen and helium, with ongoing debates about the presence of an iron core. The core's high temperature and density facilitate nuclear fusion, while solar neutrino measurements and oscillation data provide insights into its structure and rotation. Understanding the core is essential for comprehending the Sun's behavior and its impact on the solar system.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic