This diagram shows how the differential rate of the Sun's rotation between its equator and poles causes the Sun's magnetic field to become twisted. Over the course of the solar cycle, the twisted field lines wrap around the Sun, generating areas of intense magnetic fields that are visible as sunspots.
Windows to the Universe original artwork.

Different parts of the Sun rotate at different speeds. The Sun's equator spins fastest, and the poles spin more slowly. This causes the Sun's magnetic field to get all tangled up over time. Loops in the tangled magnetic field poke through the Sun's surface sometimes. When they do, they make sunspots.
Windows to the Universe original artwork.

Different parts of the Sun spin around at different speeds. The Sun's equator spins fastest. The poles spin more slowly. This makes the Sun's magnetic field get all tangled up. Loops in the tangled magnetic field poke through the Sun's surface sometimes. When they do, they make sunspots.
Windows to the Universe original artwork.

Page created February 7, 2005 by Randy Russell.
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