The Sun Rotating
			
		
		
		
			Does the Sun change as it rotates?
Yes, and the changes can vary from subtle to dramatic.
In the 
above time-lapse sequences, 
our Sun -- as imaged by 
NASA's 
Solar Dynamics Observatory -- 
is shown rotating though the entire month of January. 
In the large image on the left, the solar 
chromosphere is depicted in 
ultraviolet light, while the smaller and lighter 
image to its upper right simultaneously shows the more familiar solar 
photosphere in visible light.
The rest of the inset six Sun images highlight 
X-ray emission 
by relatively rare iron atoms located at different heights of the 
corona, all 
false-colored 
to accentuate differences.
The Sun takes just under a month to 
rotate 
completely -- rotating fastest at the equator.
A large and active 
sunspot region rotates into view soon after the video starts. 
Subtle effects include changes in 
surface texture and the shapes of active regions.
Dramatic effects include numerous flashes in active regions, and fluttering and 
erupting prominences visible all around the Sun's edge. 
This year our Sun is near its 
Solar maximum 
activity of its 11-year magnetic cycle.
As the video ends, the same large and active sunspot region previously mentioned rotates back into view, this time 
looking different.