The Sun's differential rotation.
Abstract
Equatorial zones of the Sun rotate more rapidly than high-latitude regions. Modern observational results of this well-known phenomenon are reviewed. In addition, the author reviews results concerning some probably related phenomena: meridional circulation, the correlation between latitudinal and longitudinal motions on the solar surface, a possible dependence on latitude of the surface temperature, and direct rotational effects upon solar convection. Temporal variations of some of these phenomena, notably the "torsional oscillator", are also mentioned. The theory of the Sun's differential rotation offers mean and explicit models. The aim of all models is not only to explain the rotation observed at the solar surface, but also to predict the form of the angular velocity within the convection zone. Only some of the mean models have been successful in this respect. The explicit models continue to yield cylindrical isorotation; possible reasons for this are briefly discussed.
- Publication:
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Astrophysics with Modern Technology - Space-Based and Ground-Based Systems
- Pub Date:
- 1989
- Bibcode:
- 1989amts.conf..248S
- Keywords:
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- Sun: Differential Rotation