Solar Math Problems: Systems of Equations in Space Science

Solving a system of three equations in three unknowns can commonly be found in several space science and astronomy applications. Solar flares are a frequent phenomenon on the sun, especially during the peaks of solar activity cycles. 

Over 21,000 can occur during an average solar cycle period of 11 years! In our first problem, you will determine the average intensity of three classes of flares ('C', 'M' and 'X') by using statistical information extracted from three solar activity (sunspot!) cycles.

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Solar Math: Variables and Expressions from Around the Cosmos

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There are many simple mathematical formulae that astronomers use to describe different aspects of the universe and the physical world. (The above photo of Saturn was taken by NASA's Cassini spacecraft from behind Saturn looking back towards the Sun.) 

Problem 1: 

Find, P, the length of Earth's day 500 million years in the future if $P = 24$ hours $+ 0.004 Y$, where $Y$ is the number of millions of years that have elapsed.

Solar Math: A Bird’s-Eye Look at the Sun-Earth System

Solar flares are powerful releases of energy in the tangled A_magnetic fields of the sun, thousands of kilometers above certain sunspots. Within a few minutes, these B________ attempt to reconnect themselves into simpler shapes, releasing their stored energy. 

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This energy heats the local C______ to millions of degrees, producing tremendous blasts of x-ray and gamma ray energy. Within 8.5 minutes, this D_______ energy can reach Earth and disrupt the ionosphere. The E_________ is the region of our atmosphere where radio waves can be reflected back to the ground so that we can send radio programs and messages around the world. 

Solar Math Problems: CME Kinetic Energy and Mass

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Solar Math Problems: Scientific Notation I

Astronomers rely on scientific notation in order to work with 'big' things in the universe. The rules for using this notation are pretty straight-forward, and are commonly taught in most 7th-grade math classes as part of the National Education Standards for Mathematics. 

The following problems involve the conversion of decimal numbers into SN form, and are taken from common astronomical applications and quantities.

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Solar Math Problems: Fractions in Space

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