Solar polar spin-down

An explanation for the solar differential rotation is proposed that makes use of angular momentum transfer in the solar wind and corona. Evidence suggests that for most of the solar cycle, the solar wind is connected by magnetic field lines to high heliographic latitudes on the Sun.Thus the angular momentum lost to the solar wind would present a preferential drag to the photospheric material at high heliographic latitudes. It is shown that this drag is sufficient to offset the restoring forces of the Sun's subsurface magnetic field. In fact, the subsurface magnetic field and differential rotation are thought to grow until the stresses are sufficient to balance the torque induced by the solar wind. The present level of differential rotation and solar activity may be maintained by an intricate feedback mechanism involving the whole solar activity cycle.A power calculation based upon this model suggests the Sun's core rotates with a period of between 0.5 and 5 days. Furthermore, this view requires a major change in present theory of solar magnetic field generation.