N–S asymmetry in the differential rotation of the sun and its variation with the solar activity cycles

Abstract

Peculiarities in the characteristics of the solar differential rotation are investigated using hydrogen filaments as tracers. The existence of North–South (N–S) asymmetry in hydrogen filaments rotation is confirmed statistically. The connection of asymmetry with the solar activity cycles is established. It is found that the northern hemisphere rotates faster during the even cycles (Cycles 20 and 22) while the rotation of southern hemisphere dominates in odd one (Cycle 21). The mechanism of the solar activity should be responsible for the N–S asymmetry of the solar differential rotation.