Determination of the Solar Rotation Elements and Period from Ru{\dj}er Bo\v{s}kovi\'c's Sunspot Observations in 1777

TL;DR

This study reanalyzed 1777 sunspot observations by Ru{}er Bo{}kovi{\'c} using modern data to derive solar rotation parameters, confirming historical results and providing insights into solar magnetic activity.

Contribution

The paper introduces a method to derive solar rotation elements from historical observations using modern ephemeris data, validating past calculations.

Findings

Results closely match Bo{}kovi{\'c}'s original calculations.

Provides valuable data on solar differential rotation.

Enhances understanding of solar magnetic activity.

Abstract

This paper focuses on the observations of sunspots made by Ru{\dj}er Bo\v{s}kovi\'c in 1777. We derived the expressions needed to calculate the elements of the Sun's rotation and period from observations. We used modern ephemeris data in the processing of the observation results. Obtained results are very similar to Bo\v{s}kovi\'c's original calculations. In addition to historical significance, they also provide scientifically valuable data on the Sun's differential rotation, which plays a significant role in generating and maintaining solar magnetic activity.