The Direction of Rotation of Sun-Spot Vortices

Abstract

Whirling storms in the earth's atmosphere, from the extensive and moderate cyclone to the small and destructive tornado, follow a well-known law of rotation: right-handed or clockwise in the southern hemisphere and counter-clockwise in the northern. These directions are easily explained by the increasing eastward velocity of the air from pole to equator. As sun-spots are vortex phenomena, analogous in many respects to tornadoes, it is interesting to inquire as to the law of their rotation, since this may throw light on their nature and origin.

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