5. 6.

Multiply by the image scale from step 3 to find the actual distance, D moved by the
active region. Since the spots are always moving at the same velocity, the period of the rotation of the Sun can be found using a ratio. A point on the surface of the Sun near the equator rotates a11the way around the circumference of the Sun, 2xru*R, over the course of one orbital period. The images you are using were taken one day apart. The ratio of the times must equal the ratio of the distances as follows:

Ffdslg}

ld-oy =

..@f
B

Calculate the period, P, of the Sun in days. (D is the actual distance calculated above.)

7. Estimate the uncertainty of your measurements.

For exampie, do you think your measurement was accurate to one, two, three mm? This is your uncertainty. Use the following formula to estimate your fractional error:
e

fr a c t i o n al

r r o r:

(unc ertainty) I x

x is the distance moved by the sunspot (in mm).

8.

To find the corresponding error in days, multiply by the period. Report the period as the number you calculated+l- your error. For example: 28+/-3 days.

Part B: Solar Prominences

1.

Examine the image below, which shows the development of a solar prominence over time.

0L:18 UT

07:L8IJT

13:19

UT

16:07

UT

19:29W

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He II 304 L
1997

SOHO_EIT

August26
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