Abstract
M. A. BELOPOLSKY, of the Moscow Observatory, states in Astronomische Nachrichten, No. 2722, some considerations of much interest regarding the solar rotation. They are based upon a hydrodynamical investigation by Dr. Jukowsky, showing that in a liquid globe of which the angular rate of rotation increases from centre to surface according to a certain law, superficial currents set from the poles towards the equator, but take the opposite direction if the rotation be accelerated from surface to centre. These theoretical deductions have been experimentally verified by M. Belopolsky. A new criterion is thereby furnished as to the fashion of the sun's internal rotation. For both Spörer and Carrington have recognised that the motion of spots in latitude tends, on the whole, poleward; while the closing in towards the equator, with the progress of each epoch of disturbance, of the zone in which spots, faculæ, and prominences chiefly manifest themselves, is a well-recognised feature of periodical solar activity. This zonal movement is held to depend upon currents at considerable depths, but the drift of individual spots upon surface-flow; hence the sun's system of circulation is such as to indicate, according to Jukowsky's theory, rotation accelerated towards the centre.
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Movements on the Sun's Surface . Nature 34, 54–55 (1886). https://doi.org/10.1038/034054b0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/034054b0