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Does a Spin–Orbit Coupling Between the Sun and the Jovian Planets Govern the Solar Cycle?

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 March 2013

I. R. G. Wilson ,
B. D. Carter  and
I. A. Waite
I. R. G. Wilson*
Affiliation:
Education Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
B. D. Carter
Affiliation:
Centre for Astronomy, Solar Radiation and Climate, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
I. A. Waite
Affiliation:
Centre for Astronomy, Solar Radiation and Climate, University of Southern Queensland, Toowoomba, QLD 4350, Australia
*
CCorresponding author. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

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We present evidence to show that changes in the Sun's equatorial rotation rate are synchronized with changes in its orbital motion about the barycentre of the Solar System. We propose that this synchronization is indicative of a spin–orbit coupling mechanism operating between the Jovian planets and the Sun. However, we are unable to suggest a plausible underlying physical cause for the coupling. Some researchers have proposed that it is the period of the meridional flow in the convective zone of the Sun that controls both the duration and strength of the Solar cycle. We postulate that the overall period of the meridional flow is set by the level of disruption to the flow that is caused by changes in Sun's equatorial rotation speed. Based on our claim that changes in the Sun's equatorial rotation rate are synchronized with changes in the Sun's orbital motion about the barycentre, we propose that the mean period for the Sun's meridional flow is set by a Synodic resonance between the flow period (∼22.3 yr), the overall 178.7-yr repetition period for the solar orbital motion, and the 19.86-yr synodic period of Jupiter and Saturn.

Keywords

sun: activitysun: sunspotssun: rotationstars: planetary systems
Type
Research Article
Information
Publications of the Astronomical Society of Australia , Volume 25 , Issue 2 , 2008 , pp. 85 - 93
Copyright
Copyright © Astronomical Society of Australia 2008

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