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Solar rotation during the Maunder Minimum

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Abstract

We have measured solar surface rotation from sunspot drawings made in a.d. 1642–1644 and find probable differences from present-day rates. The 17th century sunspots rotated faster near the equator by 3 or 4%, and the differential rotation between 0 and ±20° latitude was enhanced by about a factor 3. These differences are consistent features in both spots and groups of spots and in both northern and southern hemispheres. We presume that this apparent change in surface rotation was related to the ensuing dearth of solar activity (the Maunder Minimum) which persisted until about 1715.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research, 80303, Boulder, Colo., U.S.A.

    J. A. Eddy, P. A. Gilman & D. E. Trotter

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  1. J. A. Eddy
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  2. P. A. Gilman
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  3. D. E. Trotter
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The National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation.

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Eddy, J.A., Gilman, P.A. & Trotter, D.E. Solar rotation during the Maunder Minimum. Sol Phys 46, 3–14 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00157550

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00157550

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