Sunspots, characterized by their dynamic and active nature, emerge as relatively darker areas on the sun's surface, standing out against the brightness of their surroundings. The root of this darkness lies in the lower temperatures prevalent in these regions, a consequence of the intense magnetic fields that dominate the area. These magnetic fields, originating beneath the sun's surface, extend outward into the sun's corona, creating a complex interplay of forces[1]. The strength of the magnetic field within a sunspot is particularly noteworthy, disrupting the conventional transfer of heat through convection within the sun. This intricate dance of magnetic forces contributes to the distinctive appearance and behavior of sunspots.
The sun, being a dynamic and ever-changing celestial body, undergoes a phenomenon known as differential rotation[2]. Unlike a solid sphere, different latitudinal bands of the sun rotate at varying speeds. The equatorial region rotates more rapidly than the polar regions, creating a fascinating spectacle of solar dynamics. Sunspots, scattered across different latitudes, serve as valuable indicators of this differential rotation. By studying the movement of these sunspots, researchers gain insights into the rates and patterns of the sun's rotation at different latitudes.
In this project, we focus on the generation of Intensitygrams of the Solar disk, capturing the intricate details of sunspots over a 34-day period. Employing Stonyhurst Disks as coordinate maps, we navigate the vast solar surface to approximate the locations of sunspots at different latitudes. Our objective is to meticulously track these sunspots, observing how their motion evolves over time and space. By doing so, we aim to contribute to a deeper understanding of the dynamic nature of the sun and its differential rotation, unraveling the mysteries that govern the behavior of these captivating solar features.
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We are extremely grateful to Prof. C V Krishnamurthy for his unwavering support through all the ups and downs we’ve had during the journey. He stood with us when we did good and he stood with us when we made mistakes. We extend our most sincere thanks to the Department of Physics, IIT Madras for funding the project without which this marvel could not have been realised.
Presented by our team at Physics In-House symposium 2023 at Dept. of Physics, Indian Institute of Technology Madras.