ANSWERS: 1
  • The Sun is a near-perfect sphere, with an oblateness estimated at about 9 millionths,[7] which means that its polar diameter differs from its equatorial diameter by only 10 km. As the Sun exists in a plasmatic state and is not solid, it undergoes differential rotation as it spins on its axis (i.e. it rotates faster at the equator than at the poles). The period of this actual rotation is approximately 25 days at the equator and 35 days at the poles. However, due to our constantly changing vantage point from the Earth as it orbits the sun, the apparent rotation of the sun at its equator is about 28 days. The centrifugal effect of this slow rotation is 18 million times weaker than the surface gravity at the Sun's equator. Also, the tidal effect from the planets do not significantly affect the shape of the Sun.

Copyright 2023, Wired Ivy, LLC

Answerbag | Terms of Service | Privacy Policy