How Hot Is The Sun's Core?

[PeteMo]

Hi All
I seem to be finding conflicting data on the Sun's core temperature. A few years ago the temperature was said to be around the 13.6 M Kelvin which is not quite hot enough for PPII reations, but have recently seen temperatures of 15 M Kelvin which is over the 14 MK theshold for PPII reactions. Is the 15 M Kelvin temperature correct? If so does this mean that the sun has officially started Helium burning?
Cheers
Pete

[bojan]

It seems the latest known figure is close to 15MK...
have a look here:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_core
When reading this I was a bit surprised that the power release density in the Solar core is only 11W/m3 for the core, and 0.2W/m3 for the whole Sun :-)
Very ineficient! But Sun is very big, so... we are not freezing to death :-)

[CoombellKid]

15mk is what I've read too

regards,CS

[PeteMo]

It's not just me then! 15MK it is, so the PPII reactions can take place.
Thanks for the updates guys.

[Benny L]

well if thats the case i look forward to char grilling my t-bone steaks just by holding them out the window LOL

I heard it was 15M something, i think it was celcius, but what ever it it its still f'n hot.

[bojan]

Celsius or Kelvins, the difference is only 273.16.... nothing, compared to 15x10^6 ;)

[PeteMo]

According to an article in July/August Australian Sky & Telescope called "From Here To Eternity: The Fate Of The Sun And The Earth" you might have to wait about 1.2 Billion years before you can "hold" up your T-Bones for a medium to well done sizzle, but that won't be the only thing cooking. ;-)

[a1120028]

Hehe ain't that the truth, hopefully sunscreen technology is much better by then. lol