Variations in the Solar Coronal Rotation with Altitude - Revisited

TL;DR

This study reanalyzes solar coronal rotation data across multiple frequencies, revealing that the corona rotates slower at higher altitudes, contrary to previous findings, with improved correlation metrics.

Contribution

It provides a revised analysis of coronal rotation variations with altitude using the same data but different methodology, challenging earlier conclusions.

Findings

Coronal rotation period increases with decreasing frequency.

Rotation slows at higher altitudes, opposite to prior reports.

Higher correlation coefficient (0.97) indicates stronger trend fit.

Abstract

Here we report in depth reanalysis of a paper by Vats et al. (2001) [Astrophys. J. 548, L87] based on the measurements of differential rotation with altitude as a function of observing frequencies (as lower and higher frequencies indicate higher and lower heights, respectively) in the solar corona. The radial differential rotation of the solar corona is estimated from daily measurements of the disc-integrated solar radio flux at 11 frequencies: (275, 405, 670, 810, 925, 1080, 1215, 1350, 1620, 1755 MHz and 2800 MHz). We use the same data as were used in Vats et al. (2001), but instead of the 12th maxima of autocorrelograms used there, we use the 1st secondary maxima to derive the synodic rotation period. We estimate synodic rotation by Gaussian fit of the 1st secondary maxima. Vats et al. (2001) reported that the sidereal rotation period increases with increasing frequency. The variation found by them was from 23.6 to 24.15 days in this frequency range with a difference of only 0.55 days. The present study finds that sidereal rotation period increases with decreasing frequency. The variation range is from 24.4 to 22.5 days and difference is about three times larger (1.9 days). However, at 925 MHz both studies give similar rotation period. In Vats et al. (2001) the Pearson factor with trend line was 0.86 whereas present analysis obtained a ~ 0.97 Pearson factor with the trend line. Our study shows that the solar corona rotates slower at higher altitudes, which is in contradiction to the findings reported in Vats et al. (2001). Key words: Solar radio flux- flux modulation method- Gaussian fit- sidereal rotation period.