Sunspots are in many ways similar to terrestrial vortices

TL;DR

This paper explores the similarities between sunspots and terrestrial vortices, proposing that refraction effects and vortex dynamics can explain sunspot features and phenomena like the Evershed effect.

Contribution

It introduces a vortex-based model for sunspots, challenging traditional cooling explanations and linking sunspot structures to atmospheric vortex phenomena.

Findings

Refraction due to density variations explains sunspot halos.

Wilson's depression data aligns with a two-celled vortex model.

Sunspots may generate meso-cyclones similar to atmospheric vortices.

Abstract

In this letter we identify similarities amongst sunspots and terrestrial vortices. The dark appearance of the central part of any sunspot is currently justified by an anticipated cooling effect experienced by the ionized gas. However, it cannot single-handedly reconcile the halo that surrounds the penumbra, the subsequent second dim ring that could be possibly followed by a second halo. In antithesis, light refraction due to density variations in a compressible whirl can give reason for all of these manifestations. Certain data of Wilson's depression fit better the geometric depth profile of a two-celled vortex. The last provides a hurricane equivalent manifestation for the normal and reverse Evershed effect. There is compelling evidence that alike to atmospheric vortices sunspots do also spawn meso-cyclones.