Genesis and Impulsive Evolution of the 2017 September 10 Coronal Mass EjectionThis article in The Astrophysical Journal examines the beginning, magnetic morphology, and dynamics of the very fast 2017 CME which is the subject of this DigiKit. Even if students will not be reading the entire article, the short videos will clarify why we examine Solar Energetic Particle events with different instruments using a variety of filters. Some filters clearly show the entire shock wave; some show the genesis of the flux rope (loop) structure, some are better for viewing reconnection, and some show the dynamics of the expanding emission region in more detail. Free access.
OpenStax Astronomy Textbook: The Structure and Composition of the SunThis textbook chapter combines authentic image sets with diagrams, cutaways, scale comparisons, and engaging text that fully explain the composition of the sun, function of its various layers, and phenomena occurring in its atmosphere. We suggest it as a flipped lesson to prepare students for the CME and Solar Energetic Particles activities. It is appropriate for students with little or no prior knowledge of astronomy.
NOAA: Solar Radiation StormA short tutorial explaining what causes a solar radiation storm and how these phenomena are categorized using the NOAA Space Weather Scale on a scale from S1 (minor) to S5 (Extreme). Appropriate for students with little or no background in astronomy.