Solar Radial and Latitudinal Variations, MDI/VIRGO
Radial and latitudinal variations of the sound speed in the Sun as derived from MDI measurements. The colors in the cutaway portion of the Sun show the observed speed of sound relative to the speed predicted by a theoretical solar model. Red regions have a higher speed of sound than expected, and in blue regions it is lower than expected. This indicates that the red and blue regions are respectively hotter and cooler than predicted. MDI (Michelson Doppler Imager) measures vertical motions due to sound waves reverberating through the Sun, at a million points on the visible surface. VIRGO (Variability of Solar Irradiance and Gravity Oscillations) detects the solar oscillations by rhythmic variations in the Sun's brightness, a rapid change in the speed of rotation about the Sun's axis, between the faster-turning outer region and the slower interior.
Size: 3000px × 3158px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: gravity, irradiance, latitudinal, mdi/virgo, oscillations, radial, solar, variability, variations
