Chromatosphere

/ˌkroʊ.mə.təˈsfɪr/ noun

Definition

The colorful outer layer of the sun's atmosphere that becomes visible as a bright rainbow-colored ring during a total solar eclipse.

Etymology

From Greek 'chroma' (color) + 'sphaera' (sphere), a technical term in astronomy combining the Greek term for the sun's visible layers during eclipses.

Kelly Says

The chromatosphere was named for good reason—during the few precious seconds of totality, this layer flares into brilliant reds, pinks, and oranges due to hydrogen and helium, proving the sun's atmosphere has a different composition than its core.

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