Final answer:
Helioseismology is the branch of science that examines solar oscillations to uncover information about the Sun's interior, including temperature, density, and composition, and to predict solar events affecting Earth.
Step-by-step explanation:
Helioseismology is the study of wave oscillations or vibrations in the sun, which involves examining acoustic pressure waves to glean information about the solar interior. By studying the amplitude and cycle length of velocity changes on the Sun's surface, scientists can infer details about the Sun's temperature, density, and composition. Just like seismic waves from earthquakes reveal details about the Earth's interior, solar pulsations allow a detailed examination of the inner workings of the Sun.
Moreover, helioseismology allows researchers to examine sunspots by observing gas movements beneath them, reinforcing our understanding of how strong magnetic fields impact these features. The technique further aids in predicting solar storms that may have consequences for Earth by providing insight into active regions on the far side of the Sun.
Unlike sunlight, which takes hundreds of thousands of years to reach us from its generation in the core, the information derived from helioseismology reflects the current state of the Sun's interior, offering immediate data thanks to the rapid traverse of waves from the Sun's center to the surface.