Rotation rates of coronal holes and their probable anchoring depths

Abstract

For the years 2001-2008, we use full-disk, SOHO/EIT 195 °A calibrated images to determine latitudinal and day to day variations of the rotation rates of coronal holes. We estimate the weighted average of heliographic coordinates such as latitude and longitude from the central meridian on the observed solar disk. For different latitude zones between 40o north - 40o south, we compute rotation rates, and find that, irrespective of their area, number of days observed on the solar disk and latitudes, coronal holes rotate rigidly. Combined for all the latitude zones, we also find that coronal holes rotate rigidly during their evolution history. In addition, for all latitude zones, coronal holes follow a rigid body rotation law during their first appearance. Interestingly, average first rotation rate ( 438 nHz) of the coronal holes, computed from their first appearance on the solar disk, match with rotation rate of the solar interior only below the tachocline.