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Chapter 16: Problem 49

Suppose that you want to determine the Sun's rotation rate by observing its sunspots. Is it necessary to take the Earth's orbital motion into account? Why or why not?

Short Answer

Expert verified
Yes, it is necessary to take the Earth's orbital motion into account when determining the Sun's rotational rate by observing its sunspots. Failure to do so could misinterpret the Sun's actual rotation rate.

Step by step solution

01

Understand Relative Motion

Relative motion is the calculation of the motion of an object with regard to some other moving object. Here, the sun's motion is to be observed from the earth.
02

Consider the Sun's Rotation and Earth's Orbital Motion

The sun is the central part of the solar system and the Earth revolves around it. This means, the Earth's orbital path is a reflection of the Sun's rotation. Therefore, when comparing the rotation of the Sun and the Earth's orbit, they are interconnected. When the Earth moves around in its orbit, the position from which we observe the Sun changes, which can affect the observed motion of objects like sunspots on the Sun’s surface.
03

Evaluate the Need for Accounting Earth's Orbital Motion

Given the relative motion between the Earth and Sun, it becomes necessary to account for the Earth's motion when determining the Sun's rotation rate using sunspots. If the Earth's motion is not taken into consideration, then the actual motion of sunspots could be mistaken for a slower or faster rotation of the Sun, which would be a misinterpretation.
04

Conclusion

While watching the sunspots for determining the Sun's rotation, it will be necessary to count the Earth's orbital motion since both the rotation of the Sun and the Earth's orbit around it are correlated.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Calculate how much energy would be released if each of the following masses were converted entirely into their equivalent energy: (a) a carbon atom with a mass of \(2 \times 10^{-26} \mathrm{~kg}\), (b) 1 kilogram, and (c) a planet as massive as the Earth \(\left(6 \times 10^{24} \mathrm{~kg}\right)\).

Use the Starry Night Enthusiast \({ }^{\mathrm{TM}}\) program to measure the Sun's rotation. Display the entire celestial sphere by selecting Guides \(>\) Atlas in the Favourites menu and center on the Sun by doubleclicking on Sun in the Find pane. Using the controls at the right-hand end of the toolbar, zoom in until you can see details on the Sun's surface clearly. In the toolbar, set the Time Flow Rate to 1 day. Using the time forward and backward buttons in the toolbar, step through enough time to determine the rotation period of the Sun. Which part of the actual Sun's surface rotates at the rate shown in Stamy Night Enthusiast 'M? (Note: The program does not show the Sun's differential rotation.)

Explain how the magnetic-dynamo model accounts for the solar cycle.

(Refer to the preceding question.) Sirius has \(2.3\) times the mass of the Sun. Do you expect that the lifetime of Sirius will be longer, shorter, or the same length as that of the Sun? Explain your reasoning.

What is solar granulation? Describe how convection gives rise to granules.
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