Sun's Corona Paradox: Temperature Defying Laws of Thermodynamics

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    Corona Paradox
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The sun's corona reaches temperatures of millions of degrees Celsius, significantly higher than the sun's surface temperature of about 6000 degrees Celsius, which raises questions about thermodynamic laws. This phenomenon is thought to be related to the sun's dynamic magnetic fields, where magnetic 'whips' interact and contribute to heating as they burst into the corona. The process of energy transformation within these magnetic fields complies with thermodynamic principles, suggesting that energy is not lost but rather changes form. The discussion highlights the complexity of coronal heating and the ongoing scientific exploration of this paradox. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for further insights into solar physics.
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Why is the sun's corona temperature around millions of degrees celsius while the sun's surface is about 6000 degrees celsius?

Doesn't that defies the laws of thermodynamics?
 
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Please elaborate on how it defies the laws of thermodynamics. I'm a bit of a newcomer on this topic.
 
This could be due to the moving magnetic fields of the Sun. I've always thought of it as a lot of magnetic 'whips' inside the Sun, bursting out into the corona, and when so many whips come together at that altitude, the temperature rises. Or, when new loops form and collapse, this will raise the temperature as well.

Energy is simply changing forms, which obeys the laws of thermodynamics.

Cheers,
--Jake
 
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