What are the approximate synodic periods for solar rotation at the Equator ($\pm 5^\circ$) compared to near the Poles?
Answer
$\approx 25$ days at the equator and approaches $\approx 35$ days near the poles.
The data derived from prolonged solar observation clearly demonstrates the extent of differential rotation across the solar surface. The region around the Sun's equator (latitude $\pm 5^\circ$) rotates the fastest, exhibiting an approximate synodic period of about 25 days. As the latitude increases towards the poles, the speed of rotation decreases markedly. At latitudes near $60^\circ$ North or South, the period stretches to approximately 28 days, and for the extreme regions near the poles, the observed synodic period approaches approximately 35 days.
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