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The Supergranule Super-Rotation IllusionPeculiar aspects of the rotation rate of the supergranules have been noted for over 20 years now. This has culminated in recent reports suggesting that the supergranules have wave-like characteristics and propagate prograde at a rate that exceeds that of the plasma anywhere below the surface. We have simulated supergranules that rotate at a rate that is independent of position or size and find that they appear to rotate at a more rapid rate. This super-rotation of the supergranules is seen in both cross-correlation and Fourier analyses of the Doppler velocity pattern. The amplitude of the rotation excess as a function of-size matches that seen in the Fourier analyses of MDI data. The source of this rotation excess is identified with the effect of projecting velocity signals into the line-of-sight. We conclude that supergranules are merely advected by the flow in the near-surface shear layer and that their apparent super-rotation does not indicate wave-like properties.
Document ID
20060026051
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Hathaway, David H.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL, United States)
Williams, Peter
(Texas Univ. Arlington, TX, United States)
Cuntz, Manfred
(Texas Univ. Arlington, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 23, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2006
Subject Category
Plasma Physics
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Astronomical Society, Solar Physics Division, Conference
Location: Durham, NH
Country: United States
Start Date: June 25, 2006
End Date: June 30, 2006
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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